Firefly Art Fair Celebrates 40 Years of Art, Community, and Preservation
This year’s fair to feature 70 regional artists, live music, and an exhibit highlighting Wauwatosa history from the 1950s.
For Immediate Release
Wauwatosa, WI, June 9, 2026 — Forty years ago, the future of the Kneeland-Walker House depended on an ambitious idea: could an art fair help save a historic landmark?
In 1987, a group of dedicated Wauwatosa Historical Society volunteers launched the first Firefly Art Fair as a fundraiser to support the restoration and preservation of the Kneeland-Walker House. What began as a modest gathering of artists and supporters has grown into one of southeastern Wisconsin’s most beloved outdoor art fairs and a cherished Wauwatosa tradition.
This year, on August 1 and 2, visitors strolling the historic grounds that the Firefly helped preserve will view the work of 70 juried artists from throughout the Midwest, 25 of whom are new to the fair. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet artists, learn about their creative process, and purchase one-of-a-kind works, including paintings, pottery and ceramics, glass, basketry, jewelry, fiber art, mosaics, photography, pen and ink drawings, metal work, and wood.
A Weekend of Art, Food, and Entertainment
In addition to exceptional artwork, guests will enjoy live music throughout the weekend, with returning musicians Finger Pickin’ Good (11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. both days) and the Cold Front Trombone Quartet (Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m.).
Refreshments available for purchase include gourmet burgers, gyros, and sides by Fatty Patty food truck; baked goods and savory lunch options from Miss Molly’s Cafe and Pastry Shop; and pies from Bunzels and Historical Society bakers.
The Firefly Silent Auction will return this year, as will a floral workshop with Aromatic Acres on Saturday from 2:30 to 4 p.m. More information and signup can be found here. Cloud 9 Workshop will inspire children ages 4 to 11 to create a cereal box journal to take home. This is a walk-up event (no reservations required) on Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m.
The first floor of the impeccably restored Kneeland-Walker mansion will be open for tours from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. This year’s historical exhibit showcases highlights of Wauwatosa history in the 1950s, from the rise of Mayfair Mall and construction of the civic center and library to the annexation of nearby areas that tripled the size of Wauwatosa.
Continuing a Legacy Established in 1977
As in its early years, proceeds from the Firefly Art Fair support the preservation of the Kneeland-Walker House and the Society’s broader mission of preserving, interpreting, and sharing Wauwatosa’s history through exhibits, educational programs, tours, research services, and community engagement.
The inaugural fair featured 45 artists, along with a special exhibition inside the Kneeland-Walker House presented by Katie Gingrass Fine Art Gallery. Both the Historical Society and Gingrass shared a commitment to introducing emerging artists to the public, creating opportunities for visitors to meet artists outside a traditional gallery setting and learn about their creative process firsthand.
From the beginning, Firefly distinguished itself through its remarkable setting. Nestled among historic buildings, mature trees, and carefully tended gardens, the fair offered artists and visitors an experience unlike any other. That unique setting remains one of Firefly’s greatest attractions. The gardens, lovingly maintained by Historical Society volunteers and master gardeners, continue to provide a picturesque backdrop that draws artists and visitors back year after year.
For 40 years, Firefly has remained true to its original mission: supporting artists while connecting them with the community. Generations of artists have shared their talents here, while generations of volunteers, sponsors, and visitors have helped sustain the event and the historic site it was created to protect.
The Story Behind the Firefly
The fair’s name carries a special connection to Wauwatosa itself. While researchers have not identified the exact origin of the word “Wauwatosa,” there are strong links to Chippewa or Potawatomi words associated with fireflies. It is fitting, then, that fireflies have appeared prominently in the fair’s artwork and promotional materials throughout its history.
In 2002, artist Lee Spolar designed the Firefly logo that continues to represent the event today. Like the fair itself, the logo has become a familiar and beloved symbol of creativity, community, and place.
Firefly was founded on the belief that art and community could work together to preserve an important piece of Wauwatosa’s history. Forty years later, that vision has become reality. The Kneeland-Walker House stands today not only as a historic landmark, but as a testament to what can happen when a community rallies around a common purpose.
More information and tickets
The event will take place Saturday & Sunday, August 1–2, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Click here for tickets and additional event information.
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About the Wauwatosa Historical Society
CONTACT: Amanda Saso, Executive Director, 414-774-8672 director@wauwatosahistoricalsociety.org