Art on the Fox looking for artists, sponsors

This summer’s Art on the Fox show in downtown Algonquin might feature a best in show prize for the first time.

Members of the village’s historic planning commission are contacting local businesses to see if they are interesting in sponsoring the award, said Algonquin senior planner Ben Mason, the village’s liaison to the commission. In past years, the winner was given a ribbon.

The fourth annual Art on the Fox is slated to take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 18, and Sunday, June 19, at Riverfront Park, 201 N. Harrison St.

The village is looking for participating fine artists in categories such as painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, glass and more, Mason said. “It is a fine art show,” Mason said. “There is a real emphasis on that as opposed to crafts.”

Last year, 35 artists participated in the event, which offers free admission and was attended by an estimated 500 to 1,000 people over both days, Mason said.

The village encourages artists to hold demonstrations at their booths so that children and adults alike can learn more about the arts, he added.

This year’s event will feature musical entertainment in the park’s gazebo during both days, mostly local musicians who play acoustic guitar, bluegrass and folk music.

“This will be a much more full schedule of music and musicians, which the arts commission is very excited about,” Mason said.

The artists’ application deadline is Saturday, April 16. Artists are charged a $15 application fee, and a $75 booth fee — up from last year’s $50 — upon selection for the show. After the deadline, the booth fee will increase to $85.

Applications are available on the village’s website at algonquin.org. For more information or to request an application by mail or fax, call Ben Mason at (847) 658-4184.