advertisement

New riverside location a hit for Elgin art show

A young artist from Elgin who learned from his dad how to hand-craft wooden pens. A Hampshire sculptor and painter who spent his 20-year retirement taking art classes to perfect his craft. A film photographer from Florida who's captured underwater shots in 39 countries.

More than 75 artists were selected by a jury to showcase their work over the weekend at the ninth annual Art & Soul on the Fox event in downtown Elgin.

The two-day art show, co-hosted by Elgin nonprofit Art for All, drew thousands of visitors to the event's new location along the Fox River, event coordinator Karen Castillo said. Booths displaying jewelry, ceramics, glass-blown art and other pieces were set up along the city's Riverside Drive Promenade, allowing attendees to admire both the artwork and the unique scenery, she said.

"There's a huge difference being on the riverside. The artists love it, the people attending love it," Castillo said. "It shows a real beauty that the city has that some people haven't experienced before."

The location and atmosphere awed Chicago resident Peter Lorenzini, who attended for the first time Sunday.

"It's quite an exhilarating event - attractive to the eye," he said. "There are many different types of artwork, and the riverwalk is just gorgeous."

The art show featured dozens of artists from the suburbs, as well as some from out of state. The event also included food trucks, children's activities and live entertainment, including performances from the New Hope Baptist Church Senior Choir, the Children's Theater of Elgin, and winners of the Elgin Area School District U-46 TalentFest.

For 24-year-old Paul Justis of Elgin, Art & Soul on the Fox serves as a way to show off a passion he inherited from his father: making wooden pens.

For years, Steven Justis, a teacher at Dundee-Crown High School in Carpentersville, would hold after-school woodworking workshops for his students. About six years ago, he started teaching his son, who has been selling his work at local art fairs ever since.

"It's really enjoyable," said Paul Justis, who also works with his friend, Justin Chow. "It's something I can do with my hands. I can make what I see (and) what I want come to life right there."

Schaumburg resident MJ Ignolia said she was impressed by the number of local artists who were showcasing their talents and allowing passers-by to interact with their work.

"I didn't even realize that Elgin had this art community," she said. "Art has the ability to really move people. I feel that today, I have filled my own well."

  Rose Berardi and Peter Lorenzini, left, of Chicago, watch as Tom Liebing of Glen Ellyn shows off his custom tank drums Sunday at the Art & Soul on the Fox event in downtown Elgin. Lauren Rohr/lrohr@dailyherald.com
  Thousands of visitors attended the two-day Art & Soul on the Fox event in downtown Elgin, where more than 75 artists showcased their work along the Riverside Drive Promenade. Lauren Rohr/lrohr@dailyherald.com
Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.