Walk in the Park attracts top artists

Pastel artist Kevin Finnerty of Arlington Heights likes to explore the relationship between architecture and the surrounding landscape, and some of his favorite scenes include capturing Chicago landmarks amid the changing seasons.

Finnerty has seen his work exhibited in many private and corporate collections throughout the country, as well as locally at the University of Chicago, the John G. Shedd Aquarium and the Museum of Science and Industry.

Now, local art lovers can view and purchase his work, as well as talk to the artist about his technique. Finnerty is the latest artist added to the lineup at Sunday's Walk in the Park juried art show.

Members of the Arlington Heights Art Guild sponsor the show that began more than 20 years ago at the former Arlington Market shopping center, and more recently has taken off in its new location, North School Park in Arlington Heights.

"It's a beautiful setting for an art show," says Brian Halpin of Prospect Heights, chairman. "With its brick walkways, flowers, and fountains, it's a pleasant layout for an art fair. People always comment on that."

This year's show takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at the park, Arlington Heights Road and Eastman Street. Admission is free.

Half of the 94 artists are painters, with pieces done in oil, acrylic, watercolors, pen and ink, and pastels, while the other half work in sculpture, ceramics, pottery, jewelry and photography.

Among Finnerty's Chicago scenes and floral landscapes will be a coastal painting from his recent trip to Cape Chatham, Mass.

"I exhibit a lot in a gallery on the Cape, but I thought this was a good chance to do a local show," Finnerty says.

Photographers Walt and Carol Anderson of Lake Zurich are returning after winning "best in show" last year. Their work features mostly landscape shots, including many from Lake and Cook counties.

One of their most popular shots this year, Walt Anderson says, is of a dirt road that leads into a forest in full fall color. The couple took the shot in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and it has drawn lots of interest at all of their shows this year.

"Everyone seems to have a favorite place where that road leads," Walt Anderson says.

Most of the artists are returning to the show, including Len Dicicco of Arlington Heights, whose medium is pen and ink drawings. Although he missed last year's show, he returns this year with his finely crafted intricate paintings done with a jeweler's glass.

Teresa Parker, curator at Loyola University's Crown Art Gallery, will choose best of show honors this year along with other awards in each medium.

Also exhibiting will be young artists, both from Monart Studio in Arlington Heights, and from Arlington Heights Park District classes.

Rounding out the show's amenities will be classical guitarist Steve Suvada, as well as food vendors, including Nino's Pizza from Buffalo Grove.