Benefits of art

This weekend, local parents will present the next event in the long line of summer festivals in downtown Long Grove.

The Kildeer Countryside School's Parent and Teacher Organization host the 19th annual Long Grove Art Fest from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Stemple parking lot in downtown.

The event raises money for cultural events at the school throughout the year. Artists pay a fee to show and sell their wares while general admission to the event is free.

Laura Hynes, the director of the event, said the PTO has had artists come in to the school and display their work. Last year, mini-productions of "Seussical the Musical" and "Riverdance" were put on for the students.

"I just think that art is so important," Hynes said. "To actually see it makes them appreciate art. We're constantly instilling reading and math, and I think art's important, too."

The festival this weekend will have 100 artists to help raise money for the PTO. The event will also be juried, with judging from Tobin Fraley, a local artist and shop owner, and Leslie Norman, art teacher at the school.

"We've grown our show over the past couple years," Hynes said. "This one will be our biggest one ever."

Hynes said the artwork ranges from watercolor and acrylics to jewelry and sculptures. They've also attracted some new artists and features.

"We try to keep it fresh," Hynes said.

Nikolai Blokhin's artwork, which is being featured at the Long Grove Hilligoss Galleries, will also be featured.

"(His paintings) go for excess of $200,000, so it's exciting for us because it draws a whole new crowd," Hynes said.

The festival will also include food and live music, starting every day at noon. There will also be a children's tent with activities for the youngsters.

For more information, visit www.longgroveonline.com or call Hynes at (847) 732-0122.