Eau Claire, Wis. – Visit Eau Claire, in partnership with Volume One and Eaux Claires, has coordinated a local artist area featuring six local artisans in a variety of styles.  The artists will be located just inside the main entrance gate to the festival in an area named "Homegrown Village". 

"Eaux Claires wanted to make sure they had a local art focus at the festival and we felt the Homegrown Village idea was a great way to accomplish that," said Linda John, Executive Director of Visit Eau Claire.  "We’re starting with six this first year and hope to expand the area significantly in the future."

The artists will focus on demonstrations of their craft, while also providing items for sale.  Participating artists at the 2015 festival will be:

  • David Caradori – Pottery
  • Linyage – Fabrics/Clothing
  • Lori Chilefone – Henna/Mehndi
  • Mark Lone – Comic Artist/Illustration
  • Tangled up in Hue – Handmade Products
  • Tim Brudnicki – Wood Working

Along with the artists, Volume One has recreated their Local Store and will feature locally designed products in a large tent inside the Homegrown Village.  Gates open for the event on Friday, July 17th and Saturday July 18th at noon each day.  Over 40 bands are scheduled to perform on multiple stages during the festival weekend.  The event will have an estimated economic impact of $6,400,000 and is poised to be one of the largest tourism events ever held in the Eau Claire area.

Visit Eau Claire effectively markets the Eau Claire area as a destination for conventions, group tour, sporting events, and leisure markets; to promote regional economic growth; to enhance the area’s overall identity and image; to sell fun, promote fun, and most importantly – Have FUN!