MILWAUKEE, WI.- The pride of Milwaukee's artistic community, the Lakefront Festival of Arts (LFOA) presented by Quad/Graphics and Milwaukee Magazine returns for its 47th year June 19–21 on the Milwaukee Art Museum grounds. Thanks in large part to a bevy of new artists, the annual three-day juried art event does not show its age.

"Nearly 100 artists at this year's festival were not participants last year," says Dan Keegan, director of the Milwaukee Art Museum. "Having so many fresh faces at this year’s Festival brings a whole new energy to the weekend, which continues to be one of the largest outdoor art events in the nation." Valerie Clarke, president of Friends of Art—the volunteer organization that produces the show—added that this year’s festival has "all different price points of art. We have something available for everyone, with items starting under $100."

"We are thrilled to be working with LFOA again this year," said Milwaukee Magazine President and Publisher Betty Quadracci. "We’re proud that more than 30 of the artists in this world-class festival come from Wisconsin. As a supporter of the Milwaukee Art Museum and the local arts scene, we couldn't have chosen a better event to sponsor."

In total, 172 artists will be exhibiting and selling art. Ten winning artists will receive cash prizes of $1,000, as well as a commemorative art piece and an invitation to return to the festival for the next three years.

The talent is top notch and includes many leading artists in various mediums, according to Kenosha sculptor Bruce Niemi. "A lot of the artists in the show are in major collections, galleries and museums throughout the world," said Niemi. This year alone, more than 1,000 artists submitted work for a chance to show at the festival.

This year also features a few changes, most notably to the silent auction. Featuring works donated by participating LFOA artists, the auction is integrated with the Milwaukee Magazine Wine Garden this year, and beginning June 10 art enthusiasts around the world can also make bids for pieces online at www.mam.org/lfoa.

Advance tickets to LFOA are now available in more area locations than ever—including participating Pick 'n Save® stores—and can also be purchased online at www.mam.org. Admission to the Milwaukee Art Museum, featuring the two must-see exhibitions of American Originals through August 23, is fifty percent off with an LFOA ticket. American Originals includes The Eight and American Modernisms—a fresh look at the stylistic complexities of the first generation of early American modernists—and The Artistic Furniture of Charles Rohlfs, featuring furniture and objects that the New York Times calls “so primitive yet so new and modern that they excite wonder."

In addition to its displays of original art, the festival presents daily lineups of artist demonstrations, live music, children's art activities, the silent auction, a college art show, a visit from Kohl's Color Wheels and much more.