Art Fair in the Square is a festival that takes place in Tappan Square with a variety of local artists, local organizations, music entertainment and some local food options.
2024 DATE: TBD
Location: Tappan Square
Oberlin, Ohio 44074
Website: https://www.facebook.com/FAVAatNUCA
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This post documents my experience on September 9, 2023.
Festival Overview
Art Affair in the Square takes place in Oberlin’s Tappan Square, where two of the walking paths are utilized: one for local artists and another for local organizations and non-profits. It’s with the second path, found along West College Street, where there are also some food vendors and a children’s table for arts and crafts.
Among the downtown area, there are also some tables set up and possible artistic activities to take part in or take advantage of, such as getting a caricature.
Further north from the festival and not immediately in the festival area, music performances are held at the gazebo.
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Artists
Nearly 50 local artists of various media lined up a section of Tappan Square with offerings that include photography, jewelry, ceramics, painting, wood, candles, bottle lights, macrame and more.
Here are some examples of artists and offerings found at the festival.
Soy Candles and Bottle Lights.
A variety of ceramics.
Digital Art, Books, and Photography.
Jewelry and wood furnishings.
Funky canvas paintings and adorable crocheted critters.
Local Organizations
Most, if not all festivals in Oberlin, include a number of local organizations that either provide services or assistance to the community. Their presence helped inform festival goers of their services and sometimes gave them little freebees like candy or stickers.
Some organizations present including Head Start, the League of Women Voters, Mad Factory (children’s theater) and Genesis House.
Food and Fun
While some local restaurants were found a stone’s throw away from the festival, it was nice to have some local food vendors on the festival grounds.
There were two food vendors this year, offering fire brick oven pizza, assorted sandwiches and Creole dishes…
…and there was a Kona Ice truck for kids as a refreshingly sweet dessert.
Not only was the nearby Arts and Crafts Table helpful in putting that extra energy to use, but it also confused the syrup stains with the markers, making the kids appear amazingly committed to their art projects.