Church hopes to continue Huntley Artfest

The very first Huntley Artfest had a better ending than beginning this weekend.

A morning storm Saturday brought 60 mph gusts of wind and pouring rain that ruined some art and blew a few tents away, organizers said. But the two-day festival ended with sunny skies, a soft breeze and steady crowds.

Artists and organizers alike were calling the event a success by Sunday afternoon.

Tom Heling, a member of the First Congregational Church of Huntley, took the lead in organizing the festival — a throwback to his previous experience coordinating similar events in Wisconsin.

“It started as a dream that turned into a vision that turned into a reality,” Heling said.

More than 50 artists signed up for the first-year event bringing their paintings, jewelry, quilting, clothes, writing, ceramics and fused glass to show and sell. Heling expects more artists next year when the event turns into a juried show focused on the fine arts.

Mark Anderson, of the Schaumburg-based Andertoons, won a merit ribbon for his framed comics and cartoon prints. Anderson said he has worked as a cartoonist for 10 years but just started this summer making the circuit of art fairs. Huntley’s was his sixth, he said.

“It’s a nice show,” Anderson said. “For their first year they got a lot right, right out of the gate.”

A full entertainment schedule brought local talent to the stage with singers, musicians, dancers and martial artists entertaining the crowds. Food vendors lined the edge of the festival with traditional carnival fare available for purchase.

The festival filled what church members call the “field of dreams.” It was purchased several years ago as the site of a new church, but when the economy crashed, hard times forced a delay to that plan. Joe Femali, an Artfest volunteer, said the church wanted to do something for the community in the 3.5-acre lot and decided on the festival.

“I think this could really develop into something big for the community,” said fellow volunteer Nancy Storms.