Arts Show April 7-8 Features Work by 25 Regional Artists
Prairie View Arts Invitational is returning to DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church in Naperville on April 7th and 8th. Popular with both artists and patrons in 2016, the fine arts event will feature work by more than 25 new and returning regional artists, live entertainment, a free opening night reception and extended hours so everyone can find time to enjoy the show.
The inspiration behind Prairie View Arts was a desire to host an event that brings creative people together and supports local arts, artists and musicians. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Youth Outlook, which supports LGTBQ+ youth in the broader community..
The Friday night opening sale and reception is free to the public with complimentary champagne and nibbles. Coco's mobile taco truck will be in the parking lot if you need something a little more substantial. Live music will be indoors.
After last year's show artists and patrons requested the show start earlier Friday night. The new opening time of 5 p.m. Friday means you can meet friends on their way home from work or stop by with co-workers for a fun new option to end the work week. Grab a taco on the way in, pick up a free glass of champagne or two and explore the artists until 9:00 Friday night. Music Friday night starts with live piano from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and folk duo Ally & Owen from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The art raffle to support Youth Outlook will run throughout Friday night and during the show on Saturday until 4:00 p.m., at which point names will be drawn and the lucky winners can pick up their art. Last year most of the artists at the show and local artists donated work to the raffle to support Youth Outlook. Members of Youth Outlook and their staff will be on hand throughout the show to answer questions about their mission in supporting our area youth.
The art show and sale continues on Saturday, April 8th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A bottomless soup bowl lunch will be served from 11:00 to 2:00 on Saturday for a donation, with proceeds supporting Youth Outlook. There were 10 different kinds of soup to choose from in 2016 and this year they are promising more.
The 25 artists selling are hand picked and range from emerging artists new to selling their work to fine craftspeople who have been creating, selling and teaching others their skills for 40 years. The goal of the show is to combine favorite artists from the year before with new artists so that there is something that will prove to be a happy surprise for returning clients.
Prairie View 2017 will feature award winners from 2016. Cindy Sampson was awarded best in show and artists choice awards in 2016. Sampson creates unexpected and stunning mixed media wall pieces from found images and items. Another award winner, Amy Taylor, is returning with her beautiful and wearable hinged jewelry pieces that add a little swing to your day. Estelle Serena, a weaver who creates colorful and durable handwoven rugs out of scrap from fabric mills, will return due to multiple patron requests after her appearance in 2016.
New artists this year include Cory McCrory, a talented instructor and local potter from Sandwich, IL, who creates whimsical and functional work that will make you rethink the limits of clay; painter Mollie Cranch, who will show her beautiful layered paintings of botanical forms and wildlife inspired by nature, meditation and motherhood; and Three Bee's based in Bartlett, who will sell local honey and handmade Bee Well bath and beauty products.
Whether paining, pottery, jewelry or a glass of champagne and a little music to start the weekend are on your to-do list Prairie View Arts is there for you. Support your local arts and artists while adding beauty, music and a delicious treat to your calendar this April.
Details:
Friday, April 7th, 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. Reception with Artists and Early-Bird Shopping
Saturday, April 8th, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Shopping, homemade soup lunch, baked goods, and raffle to support Youth Outlook.
Artists: Twenty-five exceptional regional artists who create 2-D and 3-D art, jewelry, glass, fabric, and ceramics, giving patrons a chance to support, small, local and creative businesses.
Admission is free!
Location: DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church, 1828 Old Naperville Road, Naperville, IL 60563.
www.PrairieViewArts.com Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Prairieviewarts