Autumn Country Folk Art Festival focuses on the hand-crafted and historic
For arts and crafts enthusiasts, the start of fall marks the start of show season.
Every show is different, but the Autumn Country Folk Art Festival, which specializes in folk art and reproductions of antiques and traditional American crafts, brings visitors back year after year.
Festival hours are 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept 26; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept 27; and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28 at Robinson Hall at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. Admission is $8 on Friday, $6 on Saturday and $4 on Sunday.
The 31st annual show features work from more than 40 artists. Handmade baskets, chalk ware from antique molds, wood carved figures and whimsical yard art are just some of the things you can see at the festival.
“You find things here that you don't find at 'regular' art and craft shows,” said Robin Reed of St. Charles, show organizer and promoter.
“Folk art” can mean different things to different people, Reed said. It is mostly considered to be “historic” crafts and art forms that have been done for generations or are entirely original work. Many artists have no formal art training, which makes every artist's work unique.
Examples of items for sale include floor cloths, needlework, papier-mâché, dolls, pottery, rugs, Shaker items, whirligigs, tin, tavern signs or game boards, painted gourds, handwoven textiles, furniture, painted items, metal art, and Halloween and Christmas decor with a historic flair.
Will Moses will also be there, signing his illustrated books and selling his paintings. Moses is the great-grandson of Anna Mary Robertson, known as Grandma Moses.
Jim Van Hoven will also be at the festival carving a Windsor chair throughout the weekend. Other demonstrations will include wool techniques, basket weaving, chair caning and making Shaker boxes.
This is truly an art show different from the rest, according to Reed. Many of the artists are from out of state.
“The public who attend this show really love this show, and they run in to get their favorite artisans' newest work,” Reed said.
A good festival isn't complete without food, which visitors will find at the Country Folk Art Festival's Country Market. At the entrance to the festival building, there will be a small market selling such artisan foods as infused oils and vinegars and handmade toffee.
One popular attraction at the Country Folk Art festival is the unique holiday decorations. Chris Robinson of Elgin will sell seasonal folk art. Jamie Cady will also be selling one-of-a-kind handmade Santas.
For more information, visit artoftheheartlandinc.com or call (815) 772-3279.
If you go
What: 31st annual Autumn Country Folk Art Festival Art and Craft Show
When: 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27; and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28
Where: Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles
Admission: $8 on Friday, $6 on Saturday, and $4 on Sunday. Children younger than 15 attend for free.
Details: <a href="http://www.artoftheheartlandinc.com">www.artoftheheartlandinc.com</a>