An art lover's dream
Picking a few select artists from the 880 or so that applied to be in this year's Riverwalk Fine Art Fair is no small task.
So, the Naperville Art League delegates that responsibility.
"We actually hire judges," said Debbie Venezia, the league's executive director.
Eyeing such attributes as "originality, technique, execution and creativity," the judging panel this year pared the number of exhibiting artists to 145.
"We have limited space at the Riverwalk," Venezia said. "This way, patrons can come and walk around and enjoy it."
The fair, now in its 22nd year, will be featured along Jackson Avenue and the Riverwalk between Main and Eagle streets from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Venezia said no fewer than 14 artistic media will be represented, including jewelry, sculptures, oil, acrylic and water-color paintings, and fiber art pieces.
While many artists exhibiting at the fair are from the Naperville area, several are traveling from as far away as California, New Mexico, Florida, Washington and Canada.
Venezia said visitors will hear chamber music performances by members of the DuPage Symphony Orchestra stationed throughout the weekend in the Riverwalk amphitheater.
Also, Allegro, an assemblage of 16 teen and preteen violinists, will offer live music accented by choreography and costumes. They'll be doing several performances on Sunday, Venezia said, reprising their previous appearance at the fair.
"They were showstoppers," she said.
Food vendors also will be on hand.
The fair is the art league's major annual fundraiser. The league, established in 1961, is a nonprofit organization that provides support for local artists with exhibit space at 508 N. Center St., classes and a common forum for sharing ideas and expertise.
"The fair will enable us to offset our operating costs for the fine art center and gallery," Venezia said.
If you go
What: 22nd annual Riverwalk Fine Art Fair
Who: Naperville Art League
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: Along Jackson Avenue and the Naperville Riverwalk, between Main and Eagle streets
Cost: Free
Info: (630) 355-2530 or www.napervilleartleague.com
Page 2: Meet two of the fair's exhibiting artists