Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair, presented by Fidelity Bank, is back in full swing this year! Celebrating its thirteenth anniversary, the festival will welcome 85 artists from across the nation to exhibit and sell their work at this popular fall festival, held the third weekend of September.

Event organizers, Wichita Festivals Inc., are excited to announce that, in addition to 85 artists, live entertainment is back on full blast, including music of various genres, and dance performances are planned throughout the entire weekend. Expressly for kids, Mark Arts will also be returning on Saturday and Sunday with live art demonstrations and “make and take” activities at Artie’s Art Studio. 

Planned activities and amenities also include an array of live art demonstrations, a build-your-own bloody Mary bar, giant lawn games and the Chill & Charge Lounge where you can sit and relax while charging your phone. Wine, beer and soft drinks will be available at cash bars to enjoy along the parkway. 

“What a beautiful time of year to get outside with friends and family and enjoy original artwork,” said Jenny Venn, director of marketing and communications at Wichita Festivals. “We are so excited to celebrate our thirteenth festival, and we welcome the community to join in the fun.” 

Autumn & Art kicks off Friday evening, September 16, with its Patron Party at a new venue, moving from the previous parking lot location to the tree-lined Wilson Estates Parkway. The setting will be far more intimate with a beautiful shade canopy for a lovely evening of fine dining, entertainment and art. Patrons will receive a commemorative gift and enjoy a selection of specialty spirits and wines, along with a selection of gourmet food provided by Bella Luna Café, Newport Grill and YaYa’s Euro Bistro. Entertainment will be provided by Wasamara’ Trio, and wine and whisky pulls will help raise funds for the event. 

To become a patron, you are encouraged to get your ticket no later than noon on Friday, September 16, by visiting autumnandart.com, calling the Wichita Festivals office at 316.267.2817, or purchasing patron tickets at the Grate Fill located in Bradley Fair. A limited number of tickets will be available at the patron event. All patrons receive reserved parking and complimentary beverages throughout the weekend. Patron tickets are $150 per person.

This year’s Evergy Featured Artist is Cecilia Labora, a jewelry designer whose work focuses on handcrafted glass beads. Cecilia uses a lampwork technique to create all her own beads, and started designing unique pieces of jewelry when she learned about handwrought glass beads back in 2003. She has studied under glass bead master artists and their influences can be seen in her work. She works with both soda-lime and borosilicate glass, and uses metal foils, enamels, dichroic glass or glass frit, which affects the outcome of the bead. Labora also incorporates freshwater pearls, natural stone, sterling silver and brilliant cut crystals to design unique pieces of jewelry. Her focus is to fashion timeless, beautiful, wearable pieces that will become treasured heirlooms.

What a way to spend a beautiful autumn day with friends and family — Autumn & Art is the perfect combination. Mark your calendars!