THANK YOU to all the Artists, Food Vendors, Volunteers, Sponsors and our Event Partner -Paul Bunyan Communications for make the Fest a wonderful weekend for festival visitors and the community!
Save the date for next year 2026: July 18 & 19.
With Event Partner
57th Annual Festival
Saturday July 19, 2025
10AM to 5PM
Sunday July 20, 2025
10AM to 4PM
FREE Admission
The Festival is located at Watermark Art Center and Library Park across from the Center at 505 Bemidji Avenue N, Bemidji MN.
Watermark Art Festival was voted Best of Bemidji Area
2024 Art Experience
2024 Story on Lakeland Public TV →
2025 Story on Lakeland Public TV →
Previously known as “Art in the Park” this juried fine art and craft fair has been a summer highlight for Northern Minnesotan residents and tourists since 1967. Vendors sell a wide variety of items including hand-crafted wood items, ceramics, apparel, jewelry, photography, metalworking, greeting cards, homemade preserves, soaps, stained glass, original paintings, garden art and more!
This year’s fun includes:
• 100+ artists and organizations represented
• Food court and picnic tent
• 2 stages for LIVE music
• Outside Creative Zone for All ages activities
• Inside FREE Kids Make-n-Take projects
• Exhibits featured in all of the Watermark galleries
• Artist demonstrations
• Art for sale in SHOP 505 retail gallery
The two-day festival draws thousands of visitors to Downtown Bemidji. The festival area has been expanded to include the Watermark Art Center grounds as well as the historic tree-lined Library Park across the street.
**Well-behaved dogs are allowed.
2025 Creative Zone
Special Guest Demonstration with Bruce Nelson, Glassblower
Artist Website Spitfire Hot Glass →
Bruce Nelson is a glassblower based in Cottage Grove, Minnesota. With a passion for creating functional glass pieces, his work is a blend of artistic expression and practical design, resulting in beautiful glassware that is both visually stunning and useful.
Inspired by the fluidity and versatility of glass, Bruce’s work often features organic shapes and vibrant colors. Each piece he creates is a testament to his technical skill and creative vision, reflecting his dedication to pushing the boundaries of what is possible with glass.
Indoor Art Activities for kids
Make and Take FREE FUN!
Saturday 10am – 4pm
Sunday 10am – 3pm
Face Painting
in the Creative Zone
The Creative Zone is made possible thanks to support from First National Bank Bemidji and Beltrami County, Minnesota
Indigenous Artist Demonstrations in the Creative Zone
Saturday, July 19
10:00AM – 1:00PM:
Cari Ross with quillwork & Tallie Large Devault with birch bark jewelry
2:00PM – 5:00PM:
Cari Ross with quillwork & John Parsons with tulip bags
Sunday, July 20
10:00AM – 1:00PM:
Sharon Nordrum with pine needle basket & Martina Isham with beadwork
1:00PM – 4:00PM:
Tom Stillday with beadwork
The 2025 Indigenous Artist Demonstrations are made possible thanks to the McKnight Foundation and the Bemidji Area Arts Endowment
Music Schedule (2 Stages)
Paul Bunyan Broadcasting Band Shell
Sponsored by the Stations of Paul Bunyan Broadcasting
Line-ups are subject to change
Saturday July 19, 2025
10:30 AM Bemidji Bogtrotters
11:30 AM Caige Jambor
12:30 PM Brock Beaulieu
1:30 PM Mauro Gutierrez
2:30 PM The Oxbows
3:30 PM International Treasures
Sunday July 20, 2025
10:30 AM Darin Bergsven
11:30 AM Caige Jambor
12:30 PM Aaron Cobb
1:30 PM Serotiny (formerly Swivets)
2:30 PM Two Hearted Trio
Zetah Construction Band Shell
Sponsored by Zetah Construction
Line-ups are subject to change
Saturday July 19, 2025
10:00 AM Serotiny (formerly Swivets)
11:00 AM Sawyer, Aidan & Corey
12:00 PM International Treasures
1:00 PM Two Hearted Trio
2:00 PM Aaron Cobb
3:00 PM Mauro Gutierrez
Sunday July 20, 2025
10:00 AM Aaron Cobb
11:00 AM Sawyer, Aidan & Corey
12:00 PM Brock Beaulieu
1:00 PM Caige Jambor
2:00 PM Darin Bergsven
3:00 PM Bemidji Bogtrotters
Artists & Vendors
This list is up-to-date as of July 10, 2025.
CLAY
Tom Daly, Tom’s Aquatic Ceramics from Bemidji, MN
Butch Holden, Planet A Clay from Bemidji, MN
Jeff Burger, Jeff Burger Clay from Bemidji, MN
Roxanne D Cota, Falling Leaf Pottery from St. Cloud, MN
Kate Hammer, Pretty Dirt Pottery from Roseau, MN
Debra Saunders, Quiet Hike Pottery & Curious Art from Walker, MN
Betsy Saurdiff, Betts Pottery from Grygla, MN
Paul Zoldahn, Horizon Pottery from Two Harbors, MN
FIBER
Cindy Bernstein Brown, Cindy’s Rag Rugs from Blaine, MN
Rose Heim, Heim-Made from Kelliher, MN
Kathleen Withers, Kaity Klothes from Nisswa, MN
Jennifer Bremer, Nokomis Knitting Co. from Minneapolis, MN
Yang Youa, Gifts Made by Hand, Columbia Heights, MN
Susan Drebelbis, Lady Slipper Threads from Bemidji, MN
Kris Nei, Weavin’ Wild Bemidji Basketry from Bemidji, MN
Hannah Kay Sether, Cherry Blossom Embroider from Woodbury, MN
FLORAL
Annette Mattingly, Morning Glory Creations from Ely, MN
FOOD
Knights of Columbus from Bemidji, MN
Griggs Cuisine from Lino Lakes, MN
Boy Scouts Pack 4080G from Bemidji, MN
Mac N’the Box, Bemidji MN
Kazo Concessions from Bemidji, MN
Sweet & Salty Concessions
The Hangry Hut from Osakis, MN
GLASS
Ken Patzoldt & Jo Manbeck, Timberwind, Inc. from Grand Rapids, MN
Brian Miller, Brian Dean Miller Glass from Grand Rapids, MN
Sherri Kruger-Kukowski, Winding River from Badger, MN
Dee Dee Narum, Mosaic Studio
Don & Lois Pearson, Sunnyside Designs
JEWELRY
Mellisa Caroll, Earth Elements from Pierpont, SD
Jennifer Patterson, Jennifer Patterson Designs from Alvarado, MN
Mary Gohman, The Silver Scarab from St. Cloud, MN
Robert Hale, Creations by Hand from North Branch, MN
April Keilen, April Keilen Creations from Grand Rapids, MN
Christina Holland, Christina Holland Designs from Tucson, AZ
Hattie Peterson, Tumbled Heart Designs from Solway, MN
Jessica Robertson, Burly Babe from Hudson, WI
Monica Hansmeyer, Seven Sister Design from Turtle River, MN
LEATHER
Joe & Pam Manthei, Fiskur Leather from Mora, MN
METAL
John Theourx, Johns Chains from Bemidji, MN
Robert & Lana Hendricks, Silverfish ‘n’ Things from Forest Lake, MN
Dave Mastell, Firepit LLC from Hackensack, MN
Dale Lessard, Minnesota Summer from Isanti, MN
Bemidji Sculpture Walk from Bemidji MN
Steve Olson, Custom Cabins fromPlymouth, MN
MIXED MEDIA
Loon Country Arts, Bemidji, MN
Northern Artist Association, Bemidji, MN
ORGANIZATIONS
Bemidji Symphony Orchestra
Headwaters School of Music & the Arts from Bemidji, MN
Bemidji Area Breastfeeding Coalition
Bemidji Chorale
PAINTING
Aimee Bouchard Illustration & Design from Walker, MN
Jeff Renner Wildlife Art from Park Rapids, MN
Lyn Jutila, Expressions in Nature from Cloquet, MN
Kent Estey Art & Design from Naytahwaush, MN
Nicholas Jackson, Tall Fox Studios Digital Art from Bemidji, MN
Robert DesJarlait Fine Arts from Onamia, MN
PHOTOGRAPHY
Dave Angell, Angell’s Images from Faribault, MN
Carol Hoyem, Carol Hoyem Photo Art from Bemidji, MN
Brady Flower, Photo Letter Project
WOOD
Darla Haseltine, Haseltine Acre from Bemidji, MN
Mark Swenson, Water’s Edge Art from Nisswa, MN
Jan Wormley, Prairie Song from Newton, IA
Linda Balmer from Bemidji, MN
Kenneth Spurlin, Mystery in Wood from Nevis, MN
Paula & Lee Oman, P&L Woodworking
Laurie & Fred McGregor, McGregor’s Tree Patch from Akeley, MN
Amanda Black, Black Loon Studio from St Paul, MN
OTHER
Chris Carney, Simply Nuts, Chanhassen MN
Tom Kulju, Jackpine Savage Flint Knapping from Longville, MN
Aaron Furuseth, Iconic Quilling from Minneapolis, MN
Sandy Kuhlers, Simply Homemade from Fairmont, MN
Barbara Groth, Paper Sampler from Detroit Lakes, MN
Curtis R. Olson, CRO Knives from Bemidji, MN
Julie Beal, Earth, Wick & Fire from Pequot Lakes, MN
William E Smith, a.m. soap company from Bemidji, MN
Mark Christiansen, Mister Dister BBQ from Cotton, MN
Ivy Bailie, Watermark Enterprises from Fostton, MN
SE Corner Lakeside. Rock & Rest Breastfeeding Tent, Bemidji MN
Thanks to these additional supporters for making the Watermark Art Festival programming a fantastic experience for our visitors this year.
Keenan’s Cabinets of Distinction 
Dick’s Plumbing and Heating Security Bank
Naylor’s Heating and Refrigeration Scotland Bakke Dental P.A.
Friends of the Fest
Tom & Marilyn Miller, Miller McDonald, Inc, Northway Insurance Services, Tom Kuesel P.A., MJB Home Center, Adelpha Studio,
Geri & Jay Wilimek, Labraaten Insurance Agency, Great River Dentistry
Our Volunteers are the Best!
Rain or shine, Watermark Art Festival volunteers are indispensable team members who are involved in most every facet of this special weekend event.
Thank you to every single one of our fabulous volunteers. You help to make the the Fest a wonderful experience for everyone!
Thanks to the Bemidji Boxing Club for their dedication and volunteering to help with the “heavy lifting” this year and in years past. If you or your organization is interested in volunteering for the 2025 Festival, please call or email to watermark@paulbunyan.net.
