Local artists highlight Aurora's Alley Art Fest

Aurora's Alley Art Festival brings together local artists, performers and the community for an afternoon of art, music, food and spectacle.

From noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, the festival will fill the tree-lined, pedestrian-friendly Water Street Mall between Downer Place and Galena Boulevard in downtown Aurora. It is one of the largest gatherings of local artists in the Fox Valley, bringing more than 60 artists to display their original works, prints and creations.

"Alley Art Fest continues to provide an opportunity for the community to support local artists while enjoying a fun day downtown and getting inspired," organizer Marissa Amoni said.

Joining the eclectic lineup of art this year is Dept., a group of teachers from Naperville Central High School, including Daniela Cirone, Danielle Figueroa, Becky Mancuso, Amy Murphy and Greg Padgett.

Fox Valley Robotics will demonstrate robots and have a Lego build activity. A children's art tent also will feature hands-on, creative opportunities.

Musicians include Jake Mack and the Lesser Stags and Noah Gabriel. Eastern Fire Belly Dance troupe and Teen Writers and Artists Project also perform. Human Library of the Fox Valley will be inside Riverfront Playhouse.

Alley Art Festival was started in 2010 by Amoni, Jen Evans, Lisa Green and Nate Miller. The festival is supported by artists and volunteers, and is sponsored by Downtown Auroran Magazine, Aurora Downtown and the city of Aurora's Neighborhood Festival Funding.

Alley Art Festival will donate a majority of its proceeds to the grass-roots, unfunded Aurora Mural Project to complete a mural along Downer Place near downtown Aurora.

For information, visit downtownauroran.com.