The 43nd annual Art in the Park fine art festival in Lanesboro, Minnesota on Saturday will feature fine art booths, and family art activities amid mature shade trees in the beautiful setting of Sylvan Park. Please note that June 15th is the Saturday before Father’s Day. Hosted by LANESBORO ARTS, a multidisciplinary nonprofit with a 40+ year legacy of supporting art and artists in the scenic Lanesboro area, the annual Art in the Park festival is southern Minnesota’s longest running fine art fair! Renowned for quality, variety and value, Art in the Park attracts thousands of regional patrons to Sylvan Park in Lanesboro each year. Admission is free. Handicap parking is available at Sylvan Park. Socialized dogs on leashes are permitted.

Nestled in the heart of Bluff Country along the Root River, Lanesboro is the hidden gem of Southeastern Minnesota. With an extraordinarily high density of creative activities concentrated in such a small community, Lanesboro (pop. 754) was declared one of the country’s “Top 12 Small Town Artplaces” in 2013 by Artplace America. The Root River State Bike Trail, rated one of the best trails in Minnesota, runs right through Lanesboro’s authentic 19th century downtown. This picturesque hub of activity invites travelers of all stripes to indulge in one of many tantalizing restaurants or unique shops.

Artist booths!

The focal point of Art in the Park is, of course, the art! Fine art and fine craft artist booths encircle Sylvan Park underneath canopies of shade, featuring a wide variety of artist-made work by over 100 artists from the tri-state region. Artwork includes paintings, photography, fine jewelry, textile rugs & quilts, hand thrown ceramics, stained glass, blown & fused glass sculptures, artworks utilizing reclaimed wood, stoneware clay pottery, metalwork, woven baskets, whimsical welded yard art, and more.

Food & Beverages:

Attendees will enjoy delicious and locally prepared foods at booths hosted by volunteers from local organizations. Available food options in 2024 include home grown locally sourced or foraged ingredients (Heimstead); tacos, enchiladas, and more (Taqueria El Sueño); barbeque sandwiches (Biggen’s BBQ); brats and hot dogs from Lanesboro High School TexMex Fundraiser; plus desserts from Discovery Faith Community and Friends of the Lanesboro Library. The Farmers Market will also offer fresh food and healthy snack stands.

Beverages (ice-cold pop, lemonade, and water) will be offered by Lanesboro Community Theater. Craft beer will be provided by Lanesboro’s very own Sylvan Brewing, KARST Brewing of Fountain, and Kinney Creek Brewery of Rochester. As well as new to the festival this year, locally brewed drip coffee and cold brew from Paddle On Coffee.

Live Music:

Live music provides a joyful ambiance and additional entertainment to Art in the Park from Sylvan Park’s central Gazebo. 2023’s year’s Art in the Park featured live performances from the Amanda Grace Trio (10:00 am-11:30 am), Luke Callen (12:15 pm – 1:45 pm), Nathan’s Jazzers featuring Mariah Ciangiola (2:00 pm – 3:30 pm), and River Crossing (3:45 pm – 5:00pm).

Amanda Grace Trio is a blend of Americana, rock, pop and folk. Amanda Grace is a Minnesota native with roots as a pianist her writing is thematically varied with an emphasis on melody; with ballads wrapped in warm vocals. In 2016 she received a Front Of The Line Pass from The Voice and her seventh album, “Please Dear Sun,” was nominated for Blues & Roots Radio Album Of The Year. Amanda just released her eighth album called “Give Me Away.” The songs reflect questions Amanda asks herself regarding the status of her own thoughts and heart, and through her music hopes to convey that the giving of oneself, reinforces goodness in the lives of others. Collaborating with Matt Patrick of The Library Studio of Minneapolis Amanda has created her most stunning recording to date with an insightful blend of rock, pop and folk sounds with an intent to showcase her sultry voice.

Luke Callen has a unique sound that moves between the best of American folk – rock and balladry. It’s music that you can relax into, paired with lyrics you’ll want to chew on and savor, that ask something of their listener. These songs are proof and reminder: you don’t actually have to go anywhere at all to, you know, get somewhere. This no-frills arrangement style is like a drink of water for those of us who crave something real and honest to listen to. The sonic palette pays homage to a whole plethora of elements endemic to the American music tradition without feeling derivative or landing too hard on any one side of the genre question. Sure, fans of John Prine, The Band, or Randy Newman will undoubtedly hear traces of Callen’s biggest influences, but there’s a modern assessment within the music that is the distinct voice of an artist coming into his own and sharing stages with fellow pickers and balladeers like Charlie Parr and Margo Cilker.

Nathan’s Jazzers featuring Mariah Ciangiola is an easy-going group of guys and a gal who have been playing music for many years. The variety and improvisation found in Jazz standards is a fun challenge for the group, who will knock your socks of with their classic big band sound. Nathan Davidson, the group’s frontman, is the founder of CBB Jazz Combo as well as the Lost Faculties. Mariah Ciangiola is an actress and vocalist who has sung around the world as lead Vocalist for AIDA Cruiselines.

River Crossing is a unique local trio that plays an engaging, eclectic mix of songs. From infectious rhythm and blues and deep roots to neo-soul and modern singer-songwriter tunes that will welcome you to sit back and enjoy. Members Paul Schmidt, Ryan Palmer, and Jeff Sanders met at an open mic in Lanesboro in 2021 and found they all share the same passion for creating and supporting local music.

2024 Kids & Family Activities:

Kids Create! “Make a Tie for Dad” art project
Caricatures
Face painting
Yard Games
All Glazed Up-Studio Motif (Painting)
Art Haus (Family Art Activity)
Austin Area Art Center (Bubbles)