The Marshfield Art Fair is now part of a weekend-long celebration of creativity

MARSHFIELD — For more than 50 years, thousands have gathered with friends and family to view and purchase the work of local and regional artists at the Marshfield Art Fair. For 2015 the Marshfield Art Fair will serve as the centerpiece of the first annual Creative Marshfield Weekend, a celebration of all things creative in the community. In addition to the Marshfield Art Fair on Sunday, May 10, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., the weekend will feature live music performances, exhibits, a Plein Air Paint-Off, and more.

The Creative Marshfield Weekend will include the following events:

Weekend-long street pianos: Two pianos have been painted by local artists and will be placed along Central Avenue, one in the parking lot of Hiller’s True Value Hardware and one at BMO Harris Bank. Anyone may play the pianos.

Friday, May 8

9 a.m. – 9 p.m.: “Past, Present & Future” Exhibition at Marshfield Public Library presented by the city’s Historic Preservation Committee and featuring artwork by Marshfield Middle School students.

11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.: Public Reception at Gallery 450 for UW Marshfield/Wood County Student Exhibition, the gallery/student exhibition will be open until 5 p.m.

6:30 p.m.: Public reception for Chestnut Center for the Arts Gallery Show featuring printmaker Shawn Ganther, go to chestnutarts.org for more information.

7:30 p.m.: Vox Concert Series presents An Evening with Noah Guthrie (from Glee) with Special Guest Chelsea Berry at Wildwood Station. Genre: Blues / Pop. Tickets $25-30 are available at voxconcertseries.com.

Saturday, May 9

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Plein Air Paint-Off. Artists will be stationed around town painting beautiful and important sites in the community. Artists painting plein air will be at the Marshfield Art Fair with completed works. A map will be posted at facebook.com/creativemarshfield.

9 a.m. – 5 p.m.: “Past, Present & Future” Exhibition at Marshfield Public Library presented by the city’s Historic Preservation Committee and featuring artwork by Marshfield Middle School students.

10 a.m.: Scheduled performance on the street piano located at Hiller’s True Value Hardware.

Sunday, May 10

The Marshfield Art Fair will be the main attraction of the Creative Marshfield Weekend on Sunday, May 10, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Marshfield High School. Over 100 talented artists from Wisconsin and surrounding states have been selected to display and sell their fine art and crafts at the event.

Artists will be competing for $1,200 in cash awards. Visitors will be able to vote for a People’s Choice Award through the New Visions Gallery Facebook page. Voting is open from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on the day of the event. The winning artist will receive automatic and free entry into the 2016 Art Fair.

There will be lively entertainment going on throughout the day, including Marshfield Public Schools Orchestra, Marshfield Middle School Jazz Band, Main Street Conservatory of Dance, and the School of Performing Arts.

A free Family Creativity Center will be open from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and will feature clay bowl making, mini masterpieces, and crown making. Lunch and snacks will be available for purchase in the commons from Marshfield Noon Rotary Club.

Gift certificates for the Marshfield Art Fair are available for purchase at New Visions Gallery. Gift certificates can be purchased at any amount and used at any artist booth at the Art Fair.

Admission and activities at the Marshfield Art Fair remain free thanks to the generosity of Art Fair sponsors and many volunteers from the community.

Hotel Marshfield is offering a hotel package for the Creative Marshfield weekend. The $80/night package includes lodging (executive king or double queen), complimentary hot breakfast, complimentary shuttle service, and complimentary arrival cocktail. Guests should call 855-583-2700 for reservations and refer to the “Marshfield Art Fair-Creative Marshfield Block.”

For information about the Creative Marshfield Weekend, Plein Air Paint-Off, street pianos, or Marshfield Art Fair, contact New Visions Gallery at 715-387-5562.