Folk art show in St. Charles smaller, well-attended

Rose Sutherland said she rarely misses the chance to check out folk art, traditional American crafts and reproductions of antiques at the annual Country Folk Art Festival in St. Charles.

“It’s partly therapy,” Sutherland, who lives in Cary, said Saturday. “I just enjoy walking around and seeing everything. I like to buy a little trinket and gift once in a while — for myself.”

This year’s festival was noticeably smaller than in past years, Sutherland said, adding she was nonetheless impressed by what she saw.

The show was organized for the first time by new owner Robin Reed, who bought it from longtime owners Lee and Judy Marks of Glen Ellyn. The Marks, who retired after running the show for 28 years, gave Reed plenty of advice, she said.

About 40 artisans took part in the show, including longtime participant Tony Costanza, a wood carver from Oxford, Wis., who said he was impressed by the turnout.

“I’ve been coming to the show since 1995 or 1996. It’s the best show in the Midwest,” said the self-taught artisan. “It is one of the few that can sustain high prices, because those who come know what they are buying.”

Geneva resident Kristi Balc said she attends the show every year to get a head start on Christmas shopping. She buys a different tree ornament each time. On Saturday, her 8-year-old daughter Tessa came along to help her pick out the perfect one, she said.

Michelle Dumais and fiance Kevin Klingberg of Sandwich left carrying bags filled with a handmade place mat of stitched felt, a decorative pumpkin, a fall wreath and an autumn-scented candle.

The couple just bought a new home this summer.

The Country Folk Art Festival continues today from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Kane County Fairgrounds, Randall Road between Main Street or North Avenue (Route 64) and Roosevelt Road (Route 38), St. Charles. Admission is $4.