Palatine art show gaining ground
An Art Affair Around the Square has a catchy ring to it, but that's not the only thing catchy about this juried art show.
According to Liz Noe, a board member for the Palatine/Inverness Arts Council, which is in charge of the show, the event is netting tons of people.
"Over 500 people attended last year and we hope to double that number this year," she said.
That might be doable, as the show has drawn more visitors since its split from Palatine's Street Fest.
"The show doesn't get lost in the festival, like with Street Fest," Noe said. "The art is a highlight unto itself."
DiAnn Baumeister, an artist who displayed her work both at Street Fest and now at "An Art Affair Around the Square," prefers the second venue.
"I stopped doing Street Fest because it was too confusing," Baumeister said. "But this is a nice venue around the gazebo with music playing. It's all set up around the sidewalk, so it's easy to get around."
Baumeister and about 40 other artists will be exhibiting their work at the show. Some highlights include Jim Sprinkle's acrylics, Mary Howe's raku pottery, Tysha Ahmad's jewelry and Jim Benson's photography. While strolling through the show, folks will hear musical accompaniment by Merv Collins on acoustic guitar and the Ian Robinson Jazz Quartet.
Forget the whole black cat bad luck thing; you won't find a stitch of it in Baumeister's feline watercolors, "Fred," and "Princess."
"They are unusually colorful," Baumeister said. "When I see a black cat, I see purple, green, blue, pink, and white. I don't see black, so I don't paint black. I feel the color that makes up the black."
Baumeister's oil paintings will include, "Mykonos." The painting reflects an area by the sea on the island of Mykonos. It is one of Baumeister's favorites because it depicts a special trip to Greece she took with one of her friends who has lung cancer.
"We were celebrating each other, so there are no negative feelings in the painting," Baumeister said. "I felt the happiness of the trip while I was painting."
According to Noe, the Palatine/Inverness Arts Council, which supports and encourages performing and visual arts and artists, is happy to organize the event and is excited about its popularity.
"Well over 50 percent of the artists are returning to the show this year," Noe said. "September is a great time for an outdoor art show and it is a great end of the season fair for the artists."
If you go
Who: Palatine/Inverness Arts Council
What: An Art Affair Around the Square
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: Towne Square, downtown Palatine, on Palatine and Smith streets
Cost: Free
More information: (847) 963-6451 or visit Palatine InvernessArts.org