Walk in the Park picture-perfect for art show
As an accomplished oil painter, Andrew Weiler has seen his works exhibited in galleries and art fairs across the country.
He counts many celebrities among his collectors, including Mother Teresa and actor Mel Gibson, who both wrote letters to thank him for the print of a portrait of Christ that he had sent them.
But each summer he always returns to a one-day show in Arlington Heights, now called "A Walk in the Park," which takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at North School Park, 401 N. Arlington Heights Road.
Members of the Arlington Heights Art Guild mount the show each summer, which increasingly draws more than 3,000 visitors throughout the day.
The scenic art fair takes place amid the tree-lined, brick walkways winding their way past the gardens and memorial fountain at the park, offering a backdrop that pleases both the patrons and the artists.
"It's just a nice place to show art," Weiler says. "It's always been good for me. Over the years, I've done quite well there."
This is the guild's 37th annual art fair, and the seventh since they moved it from a local shopping plaza, to the centrally located park. Once members made the move, officials say, they saw interest in their art fair take off.
"The park enhanced our attendance, that's for sure," says Brian Halpin of Prospect Heights, show chairman, "and our sales are much better, too."
Weiler expects to feature 20 paintings in his booth, ranging from still life objects, to landscapes, and even surrealistic paintings.
One of his most popular is a portrait of jazz saxophonist John Coltrane, that already was featured this summer at art fairs in Buffalo Grove and Mount Prospect.
Weiler will be among 96 artists featured in the show, in a variety of media, including watercolor, acrylic and photography, to woodworking, sculpture, ceramics and jewelry.
Children's work also will be featured, in works done by students from the Monart Studio and the Arlington Heights Park District. In fact, Monart student, Teddy Marszalek, 14, of Arlington Heights, sketched the artwork for the show's program.
Beyond the park's natural setting, Halpin suspects the show draws so many patrons because of its offerings in both fine arts and crafts.
"We try to meet the interests of everyday people," Halpin says, "by offering jewelry and crafters that are accessible to regular people. We figure most people that attend an art show are not coming to buy a large painting, but they can afford smaller pieces."
Adding to the art fair's aesthetics, will be the jazz and classical guitar music played by Steven Suvada, in the park's amphitheater.
Suvada teaches guitar at Harper College, Loyola University and Elmhurst College, and has been a featured soloist with the Joffrey Ballet, as well as with more than 30 symphonies across the country.
Food also will be for sale, including picnic fare such as hot dogs and ice cream. Children, meanwhile, can work off some energy in the park's handicapped accessible playground.
If you go
What: 37th annual "Walk in the Park" art and craft fair
Where: North School Park, 401 N. Arlington Heights Road in Arlington Heights
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
Cost: Free
Call: (847) 259-2358