Firefly Art Fair a Bright Success

Several thousand people attended the 25th annual Firefly Art Fair this weekend, held at the Kneeland-Walker House grounds, site of the Wauwatosa Historical Society, said Kathy Causier, event chair. 

More than 90 juried artists from around the country exhibited art work in the Victorian gardens, from jewelry and ceramics, to textiles, watercolors and photography.

Visitors watched artists, like local jewelry artist Katy Farnum, create their works. She worked metal into interesting and beautiful shapes for rings, bracelets and earrings as friends, Firefly volunteers and Tosa residents Sue Chartran and daughter, Hannah, helped customers in the Kjun booth. 

The volunteers seemed to make the art fair run so smoothly. On a warm summer day, visitors meandered from booth to booth, stopping, admiring and, of course, buying, as volunteers assisted artists and manned ticket and food booths. 

Men stood over the smoking grills preparing hamburgers and ribs for hungry patrons. Volunteers made countless fruit pies to be sold by even more volunteers. The Esprit Poms, a pom pom team from the Wauwatosa Recreation Center, were at the ready to make sure the artists got lunch.

There was vigorous bidding action in the silent auction area as many artists donated items for auction to benefit the historical society.

The event was an opportunity to enjoy art and community. Visitors relaxed a bit and listened to live music -- the Moxie Chicks -- and had a bite to eat -- after all there was more art to see.

All proceeds benefit the historical society. Since1987, the Firefly Art Fair has raised nearly $500,000 for educational programs and preservation efforts of the historical society.