Edina Students Getting a ‘Foot in the Fair’

Edina students of all grade levels are getting a taste of what it’s like to be a part of the art world this weekend. 

For the first time ever, Edina students were welcomed to submit work to be included in the Edina Art Fair through the new "Foot in the Fair" pilot program. At the 45th annual event, the public will have an opportunity to see what they’ve got. 

It’s no easy feat to be accepted into the Edina Art Fair. And while a wall spot at the "Foot in the Fair" tent may not have been quite as difficult to attain as a coveted booth outside, the all-student show was juried as well.

Julie Boehm, associate director of the 50th and France Business Association, said the idea for "Foot in the Fair" came from wanting to support and encourage youth arts in the community.

Boehm was truly impressed with the quality of submissions the program received in its inaugural year and said this is something the Edina Art Fair would like to continue to do from here on out. 

“There are some really cool works,” Boehm said. “It’s amazing seeing the talent even in a first grader.”

Edina students from first grade through 12th grade were allowed to submit one original piece of 2D art no larger than 12 by 18 inches. The artwork needed to be created during the 2010-2011 school year and within Edina Public Schools.

Entries were due by April 15 and those accepted into the juried show were notified in early May. "Foot in the Fair" was juried by the Edina Art Fair committee. Out of approximately 120 entries, 62 were accepted into "Foot in the Fair."

 art teacher Dalen Towne said "Foot in the Fair' offers a great platform for students to showcase their hard work. 

“This is a wonderful opportunity for the rest of the community of Edina to see the talented, gifted things that their children are making every day,” she said. 

Edina High School Senior Alex Winocur was one of the students chosen for the show. Towne said it was a rewarding and encouraging thing for Winocur’s work to be accepted, as Winocur is hesitant to define herself as an artist but has so much potential.

For other students, Towne said not being accepted into "Foot in the Fair" was a humbling experience. The high school submitted 65 works and 25 were accepted. 

Like it or not, Towne said "Foot in the Fair" offers students a chance to experience the inherently competitive nature of the art world.

“This is what real artists have to deal with,” Towne said. “You have to compete with other people... and that’s just the realty of the world that artists work in.”

First, second, third, fourth and honorable mention ribbons will be given out in two categories: elementary school and middle school/high school, for a total of 10 ribbons. The jury process for the ribbons will take place onsite today, the first day of the Fair. The "Foot in the Fair" ribbons will be scaled down versions of the ribbons awarded to Edina Art Fair artists.

The work will be displayed gallery-style at the Edina Art Fair for its expected 90,000 guests to view. Attendees can find the "Foot in the Fair" tent in the lot on 49 1/2 Street, right next to the main food court and entertainment stage.

If You Go