Art league inspires passion in the arts
It happens at least once a week: Someone walks into the Naperville Fine Art Center and Gallery and says, "I never realized this was here!"
Naperville Art League, the nonprofit organization that owns the building, would like that to change. Truly a haven for artists and art lovers, the art center is a hub for all things art, including classes, gallery exhibits, art sales and special events.
From its founding in 1961, the art league has worked to make an artistic mark on the community. In 1984 it began to foster the development of public art seen in Naperville by commissioning one of the first sculptures in town - the striking, 15-foot-high, red sculpture "Landforms" by artist Jack Arnold, located just west of Eagle Street on the city's Riverwalk.
Two years later, visionaries Bruno Botorelli, developer of Riverwalk Apartments; Jonathan Croll, former president of the Naperville Art League; and Dee Pasternak, past league publicity chairwoman, founded the annual Riverwalk Fine Art Fair, a show that has gained national recognition in its 31-year history.
As host, the art league made great strides by engaging the corporate community through sponsorship opportunities that enabled the show to flourish. Dedicated art league members also contribute to the success of the event as they lend their time and talent to assist with every aspect of the festival.
The cooperative spirit plays a major role in bringing artists and art fairgoers together to create one of the top outdoor art fairs in the country.
Membership also has flourished over the years. The Naperville Art League now comprises more than 200 local artists and art enthusiasts whose creativity makes the organization new every day. Members are welcome to display their work in the monthly exhibits that fill the walls of the Naperville Fine Art Center and Gallery, 508 N. Center St., Naperville.
The shows provide opportunities for art enthusiasts and collectors to purchase original art at reasonable prices while giving members the ability to display their original pieces in a traditional gallery setting.
The beauty of the visual display is not confined to the interior of the gallery: Visitors are invited to enjoy the "Getting to Know the World's Greatest Artists" mural on the exterior of the building.
Designed by author/illustrator Mike Venezia and painted by Marianne Lisson Kuhn, it is one of the most colorful pieces on Naperville's Century Walk.
Gallery hours are noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.
In addition to monthly members' shows, the Naperville Art League opens its gallery to traveling exhibits, fiber art displays, art auctions for area nonprofits, and individual shows by rising and established artists.
The public is invited to experience the versatility of the visual arts by attending these unique events. Whether it be the emotionally stirring photos of a young girl and her family from the "Anne Frank: A Private Photo Album" traveling exhibit or the humorous twist on the work of the great masters in the annual "Fabulous Fakes" show, viewers can be prepared to be captivated.
For further involvement, the Naperville Art League stages a public art competition and exhibition each spring in which artists of all levels are invited to submit art for judging and prizes. If shopping is your goal, original art and unique craft items can be purchased during the month of December at the Gallery of Gifts Holiday Sale. Proceeds from the sale support the league's gallery and classroom.
The Naperville Fine Art Center and Gallery also hosts a variety of classes and workshops. Open to the public, the art league classes cover a multitude of media and skill levels and are available morning, noon, evening, during the week and on weekends.
Flexible open studio sessions for adults and children are offered, as are one-day workshops, weeklong camps, and traditional six-week sessions. Instructors provide the tools and encouragement needed to make even the novice feel comfortable.
Class schedules are available on the website at napervilleartleague.com and through the Naperville Park District's Program Guide and on its website at napervilleparks.org.
Artists and art lovers are encouraged to join the Naperville Art League and discover the creative opportunities that await them. Some of the benefits of membership include exhibiting and selling work, connecting with community referrals, winning awards and networking with like-minded creative people interested in the world of art.
For information, visit napervilleartleague.com, stop by the Naperville Fine Art Center and Gallery, or call (630) 355-2530.