10 great art shows in the suburbs
Whether you're an aficionado or just looking for a pleasant place to stroll, there will be plenty of suburban art shows this spring. Here's a look at some you won't want to miss ...
• Roughly 100 artists display their works in watercolor, oil, sculpture, photography, jewelry, ceramics, fiber, wood and glass during the St. Charles Fine Art Show from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 26, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 27, along First Avenue in downtown. The 20th annual festival is a juried show that attracts some of the area's finest artists. You also can walk over the bridge to 1st Street Plaza for the first "Paint the Pavement" chalk art festival with professional chalk artists. Free. Info: www.downtownstcharles.org.
• More than 130 artists exhibit their work at the Barrington Art Festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 27, at Cook and Station streets in downtown Barrington. Visitors can watch demonstrations and chat with the artists. There also will be live music and kid-friendly activities. Free. Info: amdurproductions.com/barrington-art-festival.
• The Prairie Arts Festival Fine Art & Fine Craft Exhibition and Sale runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 26 and 27, at the municipal center, 101 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. The 31st annual fest features more than 120 painters, sculptors, photographers, jewelers and potters along with entertainment on three stages, a food truck court and children's activities. Free. Info: www.villageofschaumburg.com.
• The 17th annual Graue Mill Fine Arts Festival features pieces for the home and garden, including paintings, ceramics, hand-woven textiles, mosaics, pastels, stained glass, jewelry and photography. It runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 2-3, at the Graue Mill and Museum, 3800 S. York Road, Oak Brook. Free. Info: www.grauemill.org.
• More than 110 juried artists from across the country show off their work during the Promenade of Art from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 9-10, at 121 W. Campbell St. in downtown Arlington Heights. There will be live demonstrations, too. Free. Info: amdurproductions.com.
• Elk Grove Village's seventh annual Art in the Park starts at noon Sunday, June 10, at Village Green, Biesterfield and Wellington roads. Free. Info: www.elkgroveparks.org.
• Cantigny Art in Bloom runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 16-17, at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. The show features more than 70 artists along with live music. Free with $10 parking. Info: cantigny.org.
• The Global Arts Festival celebrates the diversity of Bartlett, Hanover Park and Streamwood with a two-day fest of art, crafts, music, dance, food and audience participation events that bring together people of all nationalities. It runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 23-24, at Bartlett Park, 102 N. Eastern, Bartlett. Free. Info: www.artsinbartlett.org.
• You can enjoy both art and wine at the Grayslake Arts Festival & Annual Wine Tasting from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, June 23, on Whitney Street. The 23rd annual event features tasting of "Wines Around the World" and the work of more than 60 juried artists. Free. Info: grayslakechamber.chambermaster.com.
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Naperville Woman's Club holds its juried Fine Art Fair from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 23-24, at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. More than 120 artists display and sell work at the 59th annual event that also features a children's art tent; Empty Bowls fundraiser for local food pantries, silent auction of artwork and musical entertainment. Free. Info: www.napervillewomansclub.org/art-fair.