SOUTH BEND, Ind. — An art fair with an unconventional twist took place Saturday in a wooded area between W. Chippewa Avenue and W. Ireland Road.
The event, called Yart, invited local artists and enthusiasts to showcase and celebrate creativity in nature. Booths and displays were scattered throughout the trees, with works ranging from paintings, jewelry, and clothing to bug sculptures, CD,s and even performance art.
Organizer Lauren Steinhofler said the name Yart is a playful shorthand for the question “Why Art?” a reminder that art is not only about expression but also about exploration. Hosting the event in the forest, she said, was meant to symbolize that “the sky’s the limit with art when surrounded by nature.”
Attendees described the atmosphere as laid-back and vibrant, noting that the outdoor setting gave artists freedom to “let their freak flags fly” and connect with others outside of a traditional gallery space.