West Dundee artist makes practical pieces

Art and function go hand-in-hand, or perhaps that's brush-in-hand, for Sherry Diamond of West Dundee, who paints colorful, “happy” designs on glass dishware, furniture, birdhouses and butterfly houses that she wants people to use every day.

“I want my art to be functional,” says the former office manager turned award-winning artist. “It shouldn't just sit on a shelf.”

Diamond is one of almost 90 participants in the annual Heritage Fest Art and Craft Show in West Dundee from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18. The booths will be arrayed along the Riverwalk at North Third Street and Lincoln Avenue, with beautiful views of the water.

From stained glass creations to terrariums, jewelry made from vintage silverware and edibles like freshly baked fruit pies and soup mixes, everything is handmade in America for this juried show.

The art and craft fair is part of the three-day Heritage Fest starting Friday, Sept. 16, and including an antique show, vintage car show, battle of the bands, fireworks and refreshments.

For information about the art and craft show, contact Robin Reed, Art of the Heartland, Inc., at (815) 772-3279, or rareed57@yahoo.com.