Derpfest is back for year two after an immensely impactful debut in March 2024. Twenty visual artists creating in mediums ranging from acrylic, to oil, to watercolor, to pastel, to collage will participate in a 48-hour live paint event at The Hangar Art Co. in Downtown Bloomington from Friday, March 28 to Sunday, March 30. 

Beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 28, 20 participating artists will have 48 continuous hours to complete an original painting onsite in view of the public – culminating in an ONLINE AUCTION of the finished works that will commence on Monday, March 31 and conclude on Friday, April 4 at 11:59 p.m. following Downtown Bloomington’s monthly First Fridays. Fifty percent of proceeds from the sale of each artwork will go to the artist. The additional 50 percent will benefit Illinois Art Station in Normal and its mission to provide young artists and families from all neighborhoods and backgrounds with transformative experiences in the visual arts.

Derpfest is a partner project of Daniel DeJarld (Derp Enterprises), The Hangar Art Co., & Illinois Art Station.

Derpfest is presented in part by Blick Art Materials, the Bloomington-Normal Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, and WGLT, with additional support from Art Vortex Studio, Angel Ambrose Fine Art Studio, and Emyback Art.