Algonquin’s Art on Fox seeking early signups

In hopes of attracting talent for Algonquin’s summer Art on the Fox festival, officials have put out a call for artists to register now and get a discount.

Early-bird registration expires Jan. 15 and comes with a $25 discount on booths that typically cost $135. The early deadline in previous years ended in the spring, but officials are getting a jump start for 2014.

Art on the Fox is an outdoor, fine arts show held at Riverfront Park, which hugs the Fox River. The festival is scheduled for June 14 and 15 and is in its seventh year.

“We’re doing some push right now to see if artists are interested in applying early and getting that booth-rate discount,” said Ben Mason, Algonquin’s senior planner.

Last year, the show featured 26 artists, Mason said. So far, just two have submitted applications for the early registration, he said.

Also new for the event this year is a website specifically for the festival.

In previous years, visitors accessed the site by going through the village’s public arts commission page, but “It was a little more difficult to get to and required a few more steps,” Mason said.

The Algonquin Public Arts Commission organizes the award-winning show, which features student and professional artists. It is also the village’s premier event and will include live music and artist demonstrations as well as craft activities for children.

For more information about the show, call Mason at (847) 658-4184.