September 25-26
It’s hard to visit the St. Croix Valley and not want to get out on the river whether by cruise boat, pontoon or canoe. Luckily, the third weekend of Take Me to the River has an itinerary that allows visitors and residents to enjoy a beautiful fall day on the river and visit two amazing art fairs.
Small town charm abounds in Afton
Begin your day at Afton Art in the Park, where a charming town park complete with baseball diamond is filled with artist tents and live music for the weekend. Dock your boat, park your car or lock-up your bike and enjoy the work of more than 90 artists and craftsmen. A small river town, Afton’s main street also offers a variety of unique shops and restaurants to greet visitors.
Afton Art in the Park takes place on Saturday, September 25 from 10am-5pm and Sunday, September 26 from 11am-4pm at Town Square Park, Afton, MN.
Discover the Spirit of the St. Croix in Hudson
Across the river, Lakefront Park in Hudson is home to the annual Spirit of the St. Croix Art Festival, a gathering of juried artists, local businesses and live music. There is something for everyone at this picturesque art festivals including work by 90 artists from the Upper Midwest, art demonstrations, a doggie day care, food booths from local restaurants and of course amazing views of the scenic St. Croix River.
A collaborative effort between the Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau and The Phipps Center for the Arts, Spirit of the St. Croix Art Festival is Saturday, September 25 from 10am-5pm and Sunday, September 26 from 10am-4pm at Lakefront Park in Hudson, WI.
While in Hudson
The Phipps Center for the Arts has reopened after extensive renovations to the interior of the building. Stop by to view the new exhibitions in the updated gallery space including “Ekphrasis: Sister Arts II” a collaborative exhibition featuring “visual arts and poetry in conversation.” Gallery hours are Monday-Saturday, 9:30am-9:30pm and Sunday, noon-5. The Phipps is located at 109 Locust St., Hudson, WI. (Note: The Phipps Center for the Arts will re-open on Saturday, September 18)
Also kicking-off a grand re-opening this month is Seasons Gallery in Hudson. The gallery, under new ownership, is taking a fresh perspective on its long standing tradition of featuring high quality art in an approachable sales gallery while supporting artists and the local arts community. The current exhibit, “A New Season,” features work by woodturner William Campbell, pottery Nick DeVries and painter Allan Servoss. Seasons Gallery is located at 401 2nd Street, Hudson, WI, and is open Monday-Wednesday, 10am-5pm; Thursday-Friday, 10am-7pm; Saturday, 10am-5pm; and Sunday, 12-4pm.