About The Festival

The 4th Street Art Festival is a 501(c)4 non-profit organization that was founded in 1977

by artists, for artists. The Festival committee is made up of 17 working artists who

regularly exhibit and sell their work at local, regional, and national art fairs. Many of the

artists have been involved in the 4th Street Festival for many years bringing a level of

consistency to the event. Two staff members assist with planning and day-of-show tasks.

 

While the focus of the 4th Street Festival is squarely on the fine art and fine crafts, non-profit arts groups from the area are invited to have booths promoting their community projects, area  activities, and art related opportunities. Music and performance stages suitable to the cultivation of art appreciation and art sales, serve to entertain visitors.

 

The annual Labor Day Weekend show, occurring when students and their visiting families return to Indiana University, now attracts visitors from all over Indiana and the Midwest. The crowd estimate is over 40,000 during the two day period.

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The 4th Street Festival was started in 1977 after a discussion between potters Carolyn Mullet and Marcia Cmack who had attended a crafts marketing conference on art fairs. At that time, Bloomington was well known for having many established local artists and craftspeople. An  interested group met in March of 1977. The goal was to provide high quality work to the Bloomington audience. That year, Labor Day weekend saw 55 exhibitors setting up on a beautiful Saturday morning.