Driftless Wisconsin Artists

On September 18 and 19, the sixth-annual Driftless Area Art Festival celebrates that artistry at Soldiers Grove along the banks of the Kickapoo River, a setting seemingly plucked from the canvas of the landscapes on display. Eighty visual artists will exhibit – and yes, offer for sale – their creations, ranging from wood art to metal sculpture, pen & ink drawing to oil painting, fiber art to fused glass, and many shades between.Don’t be surprised to find patrons listening just as intently as looking. Four different performing artists will liven up the main stage during the two-day festival, each with their unique sound of acoustic, folk, bluegrass, and mountain music. Five food vendors will make sure your hunger pangs are answered with culinary delights from around the Driftless region.

While attending the Driftless Area Art Festival in Soldiers Grove, be sure to check out the other companion events on Saturday, including the Amish Market in the Park in Ferryville, offering Amish crafts, garden produce, and a flea market; Canons at the Fort in Prairie du Chien, a living history reenactment of frontier life; and the Kickapoo Brave Ride in Gays Mills, a bicycle ride along the back roads of Driftless Wisconsin. On Saturday evening, enjoy a Harvest Dinner in Gays Mills, featuring fresh, seasonal foods from area farmers.

The creation and enjoyment of the arts in Driftless Wisconsin entails more than an annual affair, with Driftless area artist’s work available for viewing in galleries or by appointment. VIVA (Viroqua Independent Visual Artists) gallery in Viroqua is a favorite haven for local artists and art enthusiasts. Their mission is to “create an awareness in the Viroqua community of the variety of art that is being made right here at home.” They accomplish this through the gallery filled with regional art, special artist exhibits, and artist receptions on the first Thursday of each month.

So come to Driftless Wisconsin to find inspiration, whether it’s an artist’s rendition or your own. And while you’re here, spend some time looking and listening to all the area has to offer.