For the artists coming from around the Midwest for Columbia’s Art in the Park festival, the weekend is a chance for validation — both monetarily and emotionally.

Erika Moeglich, the owner and maker of Wilder Boutique, attends approximately 15 shows per year over six months to help generate income. She also allows herself time to be creative so she has something to sell. She says art festival artists break the norm for artists.

“Being an art fair artist is a really good way to be an artist and make a living,” said Moeglich. “You really kind of beat that stereotype of being a starving artist with these art fairs.”

However, these festivals cost vendors some of the money that they hope to recoup. In addition to the jury fee, there’s also a booth fee, hotel rooms and food outside of the prov

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