The Wisconsin Regional Art Program (WRAP) Art Show will return to the winter farmer’s market on April 18 at the Oshkosh Arena for the third straight year. The winter farmer’s market takes place on selected Saturdays, from 9 a.m.  to 12:30 p.m. The selected dates, as well as any scheduling problems, can be found on their website. The two locations hosting the indoor market are the Oshkosh Arena and the Oshkosh Convention Center. The winter farmer’s market was launched in 2012, to help support local farmers and ensure that they receive revenue all year round, according to Michelle Schultz, the market manager. Over the years it grew from 30 vendors, to over 60, according to Schultz.

“We don’t sell enough all summer long, to be able to keep ourselves going in the winter time,” Schultz said. “A lot of the farmers were working part time jobs and doing other things.”

According to Schultz, 60% of the vendors are returning and they are very valuable, because they keep bringing people back.

“The regular customers that come to the farmers market literally have a weekly routine and plan for everyone they plan on seeing,” Schultz said.

Schultz said that the market works with a couple groups to get the area where it takes place cleaned up.

The “Pop-Up” Art Show is presented by the Oshkosh Fine Arts Association.

It provides a place for non-professional art enthusiasts to present their work across Wisconsin. The event at the Oshkosh Arena features art workshops and exhibits, and the admission is free.

“Art seems to go well with the farmers market.” Schultz said.

Collaborations with the winter farmer’s market are hand-picked by the market manager and then by the staff and board members, according to Schultz.

“Most vendors or events or things that join the market essentially reach out to us first with an idea for collaboration, and we try to accommodate as many of those as we can.” Schultz said.

She said the winter farmer’s market truly offers a lot to choose.

“We always welcome everyone to the market, because we really strive to have something there for everyone,” she said.

Come see for yourself this April and experience what Schultz believes is the “favourite community event.”