Get ready to shop for artwork and enjoy art-inspired activities at one of the biggest open-air Wichita art events of the year and one of the area’s largest juried fine arts shows, Autumn & Art, hosted by Wichita Festivals, Inc. It’s the only boutique fine arts festival of its kind held within 200 miles of Wichita, making it a valued cultural event for Wichitans and the region.
From Sept. 15-17 at Bradley Fair, you can view and purchase original art in a variety of media while enjoying entertainment and art-inspired family fun. Here’s what to expect at the 14th annual Autumn & Art.
A full entertainment schedule featuring live music, dance, theater and art demonstrations.
- Art-inspired activities and games for all ages are available throughout the parkway.
- This top-tier alfresco art gallery is free to explore but you’ll want to bring money for food and beverages.
- Plenty of convenient parking is available in the Bradley Fair parking lots.
The annual fall arts tradition, presented by Bradley Fair and Fidelity Bank, will feature more than 80 local, regional and national artists. Original works will be available in 12 artistic media: jewelry, painting, glass, fiber, ceramics, photography, woodwork and more.
Artists are invited to sell their work at the show after evaluation by a panel of expert jurors, competing for cash awards. Painter Stephen Smith of Tulsa, Oklahoma, is this year’s Evergy Featured Artist. Smith considers himself to be a self-taught artist through years of painting and growing into his current style. The past 30+ years has been spent painting full time various subjects with an emphasis on using oil paint to achieve his personal vision. His style has evolved from impressionistic to a more expressionistic approach. Bold colors and textured impasto are featured in each of his paintings. The sculptural quality often tempts the viewer to want to touch or even caress the surface. The paintings can be quite chaotic up close but by stepping back the viewers’ eyes blend the chaos into the image of the subject that was intended. It is this participation of the viewer which he finds so magical. A poster of Smith’s Featured Artwork, “Autumn Day on the Rio Grande,” will be available for purchase at The Frame Shop and at the festival.
Wine, beer and soft drinks will be available to enjoy as you stroll the parkway and shop for the latest addition to your art collection. “The Art of Bloody Marys” will give attendees the chance to create a savory masterpiece at a build-your-own bar from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Also on the parkway, enjoy the Chill & Charge Lounge with a charging station and oversized lawn games, including giant Jenga, dominoes and Connect Four.
Art-themed family fun on Saturday and Sunday will include a variety of free, hands-on art activities at Artie’s Art Studio, courtesy of Mark Arts. Artie’s Masterpiece Games give youngsters a chance to have fun while learning about classic artworks.
The event is set to take place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Looking to stay the weekend? Book a room at the Hilton Garden Inn - Bradley Fair, conveniently located just steps from the festival.
Patron Party
Autumn & Art organizers are able to keep the event free with the help of local business sponsors as well as patrons, individuals who pay $150 per person to support the event. Patrons receive perks throughout the weekend, from reserved parking to complimentary beverages.
Activities patrons can enjoy at the opening-night party on Friday, Sept. 15:
- Indulge in gourmet food from Bella Luna Cafe, Newport Grill and YaYa’s EuroBistro
- Sip on specialty wine, spirits and gourmet coffee from Prairie Fire Roasters
- Take in the sweet sounds of live music by Wasamara’ Trio
- Enjoy patron gifts and more
Purchase your pass now until noon on Sept. 15 at AutumnandArt.com, in person at Grate Fill in Bradley Fair or by calling 316-267-2817.
Autumn & Art is one of 20-plus festivals and events happening this fall in Wichita. Get details on all the fall fun in Wichita and download our visitor guide for more inspiration.
