Kane County folk art festival draws popular artists

Submitted by Art of the Heartland

Elgin folk artist Chris Robinson likes to joke that she’ll paint anything that doesn’t move — a clear warning to her husband not to take a nap when she has a brush in hand.

In truth, she prefers inanimate objects like canvasses, old wooden objects like bowls, spoons, cutting boards, shutters, children’s chairs, boxes, anything on a pedestal and, honestly, just about everything with a paintable surface.

Her work will be among the most popular on display at the 29th annual Autumn Country Folk Art Festival Friday, Sept. 23, to Sunday, Sept. 25, at the Kane County Fairgrounds, off Randall Road in St. Charles. Show hours are: 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24; and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25.

After 50 years’ experience creating folk art in multiple media and participating in shows, Robinson has amassed a loyal cadre of return customers.

“I have people come to the show and bring me pictures of my work in their homes,” she says. “That makes me feel great.”

Robinson is one of dozens of artisans, many acknowledged experts in their respective media, selected to exhibit their work in this juried show.

It is an opportunity to meet the artists and find unique, handmade-in-America items like Robinson’s specialized home décor, which she sometimes embellishes with ephemera — bits and pieces of vintage materials like children’s books, holiday décor and architectural remnants.

“I’m always looking for interesting objects,” she says. “I really enjoy the hunt.”

She visits estate sales, where she buys unique items like vintage, framed portraits of the family, which she might mischievously transform into a Halloween witch with cape, hat and “spider-webby things” draped over her.

The creative efforts of Robinson and all of these respected professionals reflects the rich potpourri of American style and design that sets our country apart. The Country Folk Art Festival is judged as one of America’s most respected shows of its type.

The Country Folk Art Festival is presented by Robin Reed, Art of the Heartland Inc., having been sold by its founders Lee and Judy Marks, who originated the event in 1982

A sampling of other artists at the event include Jim Van Hoven, whose hand-carved signature Windsor-style chairs draw raves; John Bachman’s country furniture and bandboxes attract crowds; and Tony Costanza’s wood carvings are ever in demand.

Penny rugs, folk art dolls, Santas made using antique materials, funky Halloween items and other seasonal décor, along with painted gourds and much more, are offered as well.

Tickets are $8 Friday; $6 Saturday; or $4 Sunday. Children younger than 15 attend free.

For show information, contact Robin Reed, Art of the Heartland Inc., at (815) 772-3279 or www.artoftheheartlandinc.com, or follow it on Facebook.