Art fair returns to historic Graue Mill
In a world of “bigger, louder, more,” Graue Mill and Museum’s annual fine arts festival offers smaller and quieter and, well, more.
Among 100-year-old trees, the historic Graue home and the living history of the functioning waterwheel grist mill, there’s more tranquillity, more peace and a real sense of quality, organizers and artists say.
“I think it’s (an art fair) that people don’t know about as much because it is off the beaten path, but it’s a very quaint art show,” said watercolorist Alix Palo of Clarendon Hills.
“It’s really nice, quaint, picturesque. There’s no fee to get in, and you can walk through it and you don’t have to spend all day.”
The 11th annual Graue Mill and Museum Fine Arts Festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 2 and 3, at 3800 York Road, Oak Brook.
The fest includes 32 juried artists in a range of media, including photography, painting, jewelry, ceramics and woodworking.
“It’s small, and I think a lot of the artists like that, as well as the people who come to look at the art,” said Deeda Cordin, the fest’s organizer who runs Deep Creek Art in downtown Hinsdale.
“The artists aren’t competing like other fine art fairs with more than 100 artists. It’s easy to find exactly what you want.”
Items for sale range from jewelry crafted from recycled metals and wood to 3-D yard art to a variety of paintings.
Palo’s traditional English botanical watercolors will be for sale at her location on the porch of the Graue House.
“They’re exquisite,” Cordin said. “Her work is absolutely gorgeous.”
Most artists will set up tents between the Graue house and the mill, while a handful will be located within the Graue house.
The festival also gives guests an opportunity to tour the Graue house, which isn’t usually open to the public. Recently renovated, it features original wood floors and the original architecture.
“It gets people a reason to come to the mill and to sample some really beautiful art from local artists,” Cordin said. “I can’t stress enough what a beautiful setting it is. It’s just exciting to see all the tents go up Saturday morning.”
The house and mill were constructed in the 1850s by miller Frederick Graue and later added to the DuPage County Forest Preserve grounds. Guests can learn more about the Graue Mill’s historic connection to the underground railroad with exhibits within the house and the lower level of the mill.
“I’m really excited about this year,” Cordin said. “The only thing left for me to do is pray for good weather.”
The fest is free. For information, call (630) 920-9720 or visit grauemill.org.
If you go
What: Graue Mill and Museum Fine Arts Festival
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 2 and 3
Where: Graue Mill and Museum, 3800 York Road, Oak Brook
Cost: Free
Info: (630) 920-9720 or grauemill.org