Riverwalk Fine Art Fair blends familiar styles with a few surprises
The Riverwalk Fine Art Fair represents a nice harmony of returning work and new faces to round out the 140 expected artists.
The fair runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 17-18, along the Riverwalk at Jackson Avenue and Main Street in Naperville.
It includes art in 14 different mediums, including 2-D and 3-D art, mixed media, medal, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry and photography. As a juried fair, artists were chosen from about 600 applicants.
The blend of new and old really makes the show, said Debbie Venezia, executive director of the Naperville Art League, which is in charge of the show.
“A lot of artists keep progressing and produce new work in different styles,” Venezia said. “And it’s always fun to see new artists and what they can do for the show.”
In addition to the visual arts, the fair includes performances by the DuPage Symphony Orchestra, the Chicago Sinfonietta and the McNulty Irish Dancers.
Art compliments art, Venezia said.
“One enhances the other, so if you blend the music with the arts and even dancing — it’s all a celebration of the different kinds of arts, and it touches on the humanities and the cultural aspect of it,” she said.
The DuPage Children’s Museum will have free art-related activities set up for children and families in the parking lot at Main Street and Jackson Avenue.
For artists Dave and Rosie Claus, who enter in 3-D art for the embellished hard-shell gourds they create, the Riverwalk Fine Art Fair is one of their favorite art shows.
“It seems as though people who come to the show are very discriminating,” Dave Claus said. “They seem to know their art quite well. And it’s a good show for the artist. It’s always a high quality work for the show.”
Dave and Rosie will have about 75 of their gourds for sale at the show. The gourds range from $65 up to $1,200. To see their work, visit offthevinegourds.com.
The show recently was recognized by Sunshine Artist magazine as 42nd among the top 200 art fairs in the country. The ranking reflects the top-selling art fairs, as voted on by the magazine’s subscribing artists.
Also, West Suburban Living magazine rated it the best outdoor art show in the suburbs, Venezia said.
“We’re being recognized for the quality of art that we do and the type of show that we have,” Venezia said.
Admission is free. For information, call (630) 355-2530 or visit napervilleartleague.com.
If you go
What: Riverwalk Fine Art Fair
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 17-18
Where: Naperville Riverwalk at Jackson Avenue and Main Street
Cost: Free admission
Info: (630) 355-2530 or napervilleartleague.com