^{Header image photo credit: Darrin Hackney}

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. and presented by Pella Products of Kansas. 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. 13-15 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 15^th annual Autumn & Art.

• A full entertainment schedule featuring live music, activities 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 will feature more than 90 local, regional and national artists. Original works will be available in 10-plus artistic media: jewelry, painting, glass, fiber, ceramics, photography, woodwork and more.

Artists sell their work at the show and compete for cash awards after evaluation by a panel of expert jurors. 3D mixed media artist John Hernandez of Lawton, Oklahoma, is this year’s Featured Artist. His featured piece is called “Madonna & Child.” It features a hand-painted gourd with leaf pine needles woven around the rim. It is painted with multiple layers of archival inks with two layers of spar urethane for the finish. Pine needles are hand stitched with artificial sinew using a split stitched technique. Gourd art is an artistic tradition that dates to the Tang dynasty and is organic and raw.

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 $125 per person to support the event.

Activities patrons can enjoy at the opening-night party on Friday, Sept. 13:

• Indulge in gourmet food from Il Vicino and Newport Grill.
• Sip on specialty wine, spirits and a gourmet coffee bar with fellow art enthusiasts.
• Take in the sweet sounds of live music by Sterling Gray.
• Enjoy patron gifts and celebrate Wichita’s vibrant art scene.

Purchase your ticket now until noon on Sept. 13 at AutumnandArt.com or by calling Wichita Festivals at 316-267-2817.

Autumn & Art is one of 15-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.