One opportunity this weekend for the crowds circling Capitol Square this weekend was to turn down MLK Jr. Blvd. towards Monona Terrace, and immerse themselves in an entirely distinct arts exhibition and celebration. These artists and craftspersons, arrayed along the boulevard from Doty right up to the doors of the convention center, comprised the Arts Fair Off the Square. As regularly occurs among major arts exhibitions, offshoots growing from the original creation develop into significant and distinct events in their own right. In this case, Off the Square is created specifically to showcase the work of Wisconsin-based artists and craftspersons.

Specifically, the Arts Fair Off the Square is “is a showcase for about 140 Wisconsin exhibitors, and the two-day event includes live music, refreshments and children's entertainment. The show features ceramics, painting, drawings, sculpture, jewelry, engravings, serigraphs, paper-making, and more.” These seven score exhibitors hailed from locations throughout the state. Off the Square is organized by The Wisconsin Alliance of Artists and Craftspeeople.

As promised, two extensive photo galleries of this past weekend’s Art Fair on the Square are on their way. Fourteen photos of the Art Fair Off the Square appear below the fold.

Photos from the 2005 Arts Fair Off the Square in Madison, Wisconsin.