This weekend is the 50th anniversary of Lexington’s Woodland Art Fair, an annual event that brings tens of thousands of art lovers to Woodland Park.
The fair is organized by the Lexington Art League and the city’s Parks and Recreation department.
“It's gotten that old because so many people love the experience. Lexington has a very vibrant arts community, and it's really important for people to come out and see the art, and buy the art and support artists,” council member Tom Eblen, whose district houses Woodland Park, said at a Monday news conference.
The event showcases the handiwork of artists and craftspeople from Lexington and across the country. The city says 180 vendors will take part this year. Visitors can expect ceramics, jewelry, photography, metal and wood art, among other types of handcrafted pieces.
Sara Turner, who runs local printmaking studio Cricket Press, said she’s been selling prints at the fair for more than a decade.
“We’ve befriended so many artists that do this now every year,” Turner said. “It's kind of like a family reunion when you show up and set up, and you’re kind of going through it together. You're setting up in the weather, you're spending all day in the weather, and you're talking with countless, countless people.”
Mayor Linda Gorton recognized the anniversary Monday, proclaiming Saturday and Sunday as Woodland Art Fair Weekend.
The fair takes place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will also include live music and food vendors.
