Top artists to show at Riverwalk art fair

The transformation will begin around 5 a.m. Friday.

That's when the city of Naperville will close down Jackson Avenue between Main and Eagle streets in downtown in preparation for the 30th annual Riverwalk Fine Art Fair that runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

"One by one, the artists begin to arrive and set up their tents," said Debbie Venezia, executive director of the Naperville Art League Fine Art Center and Gallery. "A little artistic village opens up. It's like a fantasy land that's going to come down in a day or so."

This year, 130 artists will exhibit and offer for sale fine art in 14 different media: fiber, ceramics, glass, wood, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, drawing, metal sculpture, jewelry, photography, digital artwork, 2-D and 3-D mixed media.

"We do have some new artists," she said. "We change artists every year. We get a nice mix of returning artists and new. It kind of keeps the show fresh."

Among the new artists this year are sculptors and artists who specialize in whimsical art.

"There's something for everyone, depending on your style," Venezia said.

Venezia said competition for participation in the art fair is keen. Judges sifted through more than 500 applications to select exhibitors in the juried show. Artists are evaluated through images submitted of their artwork and of their display booths.

Venezia said displays must reflect a high level of professionalism.

"That's really important, to keep the integrity of our show," she said. "We don't want it to look like a flea market. It's a fine art show."

Limiting the number of artists allows more physical space for each participant. Artists can display their work inside their tents and outside, too, she said.

"You can actually appreciate each of the pieces," she said.

Venezia said prices range from about $20 for some ceramics and jewelry pieces to pieces tagged at $1,000.

"Some of the sculpture artwork, that would be very costly," she said. "The reputation of the artist has a lot to do with it."

The event will feature live musical performances throughout the weekend by members of the DuPage Symphony Orchestra, led by Director Barbara Schubert.

There also will be representatives of the Sister Cities Commission at the event, she said. Naperville has partnered with Nitra, Slovakia, and Patzcuaro, Mexico, in the program, which is designed to foster international friendships.

In addition, representatives of the DuPage Children's Museum will be at the fair with craft projects for children, she said. The museum is scheduled to reopen Saturday after recovering from flood damage.

Weather is unlikely to affect the fair, Venezia said, unless dangerous conditions threaten.

"The show runs rain or shine. The exhibitors kind of understand the nature of the beast," she said.

Inclement weather does have an upside for some exhibitors, she said. Lighter crowds and less traffic tends to bring out a different breed of shopper.

"In the rain, the serious buyers come out," she said. "But we like it when it's nice out. It's joyous."

If you go

What: Naperville Art League's 30th Annual Riverwalk Fine Art Fair

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19 and 20

Where: Jackson Avenue and Main Street and along the Riverwalk, Naperville

Cost: Free

Info: www.napervilleartleague.com or (630) 355-2530