WAUSAU — Wausau’s 29th annual Artrageous Weekend will be held Sept. 8-9 and features four venues spanning both sides of the Wisconsin River.

One of Wausau’s biggest bashes, the weekend overflows with art at Art in the Park in Marathon Park, the opening of “Birds in Art” at the Woodson Art Museum, the Festival of Arts and the Center for the Visual Arts galleries, both in downtown Wausau.

This extravaganza offers distinct experiences, including the “Birds in Art” 43rd-annual opening festivities and Artists in Action on Saturday morning at the Woodson Art Museum; artwork, music and food at Festival of Arts (on Third Street and the 400 Block); artwork at the CVA, 427 N. Fourth St., and its gift shop in the Third Street Lifestyle Center; and an array of artisans’ handcrafted work at Art in the Park at Marathon Park. Children’s art activities, food and entertainment abound. All events are admission free and are linked by complimentary, handicapped-accessible, shuttle bus service.

Art in the Park at Marathon Park.

Marathon Park: Art in the Park brings more than 120 exhibitors to Marathon Park on Stewart Avenue, on Wausau’s west side. Affordable fine arts and handcrafted items include pottery, wearable art, paintings and photography. A children’s art and craft area offers free make-and-take activities. Food and beverages are available for purchase from local nonprofit groups and businesses; ATM available. Free admission. Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Festival of Arts in downtown Wausau.

Downtown: Festival of Arts, on Third Street and the 400 Block, offers over 120 juried artists representing a variety of mediums. The event is enhanced by live music on two stages, children’s art activities, adult art classes, entertainment, a Young Collector Market, a scholarship silent auction to benefit area art students and food stands operated by local nonprofit organizations. Free admission. Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Downtown: CVA, 427 N. Fourth St., includes the Pottery Studio, new Vault Gallery and Studio Room. The CVA, a not-for-profit visual arts organization, works to engage people in the visual arts. Free admission. Saturday 10 a.m.  -5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Center for the Visual Arts in downtown Wausau.

Eastside: “Birds in Art” opening weekend festivities at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum feature opportunities Saturday morning to meet more than 60 artists from around the world for the opening of this internationally renowned exhibition. Early birds who visit the museum from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 8, can meet more of these artists in the galleries and sculpture garden. This 43rd-annual “Birds in Art” exhibition presents paintings, graphics and sculptures created by more than 100 artists who bring a global perspective to their passion for birds. Free admission. Special opening-weekend hours: Saturday, Sept. 8, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday, Sept. 9, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. “Birds in Art” remains on view through Nov. 25.

Free, handicapped-accessible shuttle buses connecting all four locations run every 15-20 minutes from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from designated locations: downtown at the southeast corner of the 400 Block at Fourth and Jefferson streets and at Third and Franklin streets, at Marathon Park near East Gate Hall, and at the Woodson Art Museum on 12th Street, near the museum’s south parking lot.

For overall information, visit https://www.lywam.org/wausaus-artrageous-weekend/

For details or additional information, contact each organization:

Photos courtesy Woodson Art Museum.