More than 140 artists to display work at Geneva Arts Fair

More than 140 artists from across the nation will exhibit unique works ranging from jewelry and glass to paintings and portraits at the 14th annual Geneva Arts Fair.

Last year, the celebration of arts was ranked as one of the 200 best festivals nationwide by Sunshine Artists Magazine. The event is free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 25, and Sunday, July 26.

Sisters Jamie and Kelsey Potts of Geneva have teamed up to share a display during their first time participating in the Geneva Arts Fair. Jamie creates watercolor portraits with black outlines while Kelsey paints with acrylic on canvas.

"I wanted to put myself out there and actually try to start up an art business," Jamie said.

Jamie draws inspiration from artists such as Margaret Keane and Pera Maro. Her paintings often maintain themes of childhood, magic, myths, and nature. Kelsey said she paints whatever seems to inspire her.

"I see the world around me and am motivated to paint," Kelsey said. "I want people to feel enlivened and a sense of happiness when they see my art,"

Jamie said she never would have believed it if, years ago, someone had told her one day she would participate in the Geneva Arts Fair.

"The Geneva Arts Fair is highly respected and I knew it would be a wonderful opportunity to be a part of," Jamie said. ""(My sister and I) could not be more excited to be in this together."

Kelsey agreed reiterating the high repute of the fair. She said she was thrilled to participate as well.

"The atmosphere of the fair is amazing," Kelsey said."The people love art, and everybody is joyous."

Another team of local artists will attend the fair. Jack and Alice McLean of Johnsburg are bringing their one-of-a-kind bronze sculptures to exhibit at the fair for the first time.

"We show all around the country and we're always interested in trying local shows, especially ones we have heard good things about," said Jack McLean.

He has been working with bronze for more than four decades. He began as an apprentice in 1973 and has refined his skills while also collaborating with Alice.

They have worked through troubling economic times by expanding the diversity of their works.

"Over the years we've learned to ride out different economies by having something for customers at different price points," McLean said.

Their custom pieces range from around $175 for wall tiles to about $350 for miniature bronze boats, and more as the pieces become more intricate.

Johanna Patterson, a Geneva native who volunteers at a number of local festivals, said she was excited to volunteer at the fair for her third year.

"The Arts Fair is unique because of the variety of different art styles," Patterson said. "It's fun to walk the street and see something really modern next to something very classical."

The show is juried on two levels, 2-D and 3-D art. Four artists will be selected for excellence in each category. There will also be a kids art area where children can get hands-on experience with different types of art.

The fair is located at 100 S. Third St. in downtown Geneva. For more information visit www.genevachamber.com

If you go

What: The 14th annual Geneva Arts Fair

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 25-26

Where: 100 S. Third St. in downtown Geneva

Admission: Free

Details: <a href="http://www.genevachamber.com">www.genevachamber.com</a>; (630) 232-6060