Naperville art fair returns with diverse selection
As a fifth-generation Naperville resident, it's only fitting Marianne Lisson Kuhn is able to display her drawings steeped in the town's history at the 50th annual Naperville Woman's Club Art Fair.
Lisson Kuhn is no stranger to the fair, which has become an outlet to share her passion for Naperville and chat with old friends over the past 20 years.
"I do a lot of historic Naperville scenes, both new and old," she said. "I'm a fifth-generation, so I try to preserve the history of the town."
Like Lisson Kuhn, artists from a variety of media will have their works available for purchase from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St.
Lisson Kuhn, who started creating art work when she was a child and has since turned it into a career, will have pen and ink drawings full of scenes of Naperville in both black-and-white and color ranging between $20 to $70.
Skeeter Aschinger's art work, meanwhile, takes shape in a much different form.
The Aurora resident's one-of-a-kind pieces contain what she describes as an interplay of texture throughout her face sculptures.
At the fair she will have her signature pod people sculptures, which are made from the pods of palm trees. She also will have jewelry with faces incorporated and shadowbox sculptures. All of her work ranges in cost between $85 and $500.
"When a person adopts the piece, it's theirs and there is no other one like it," she said.
As a retired professor of fashion merchandising from Western Illinois University, she began doing this type of art six years ago as a hobby.
"I like to create, and this is the visual way of getting that creativity out," Aschinger said.
After appearing at four fairs this summer, she has been surprised she is selling more pieces this year than last, despite the ailing economy.
Anne F. Hanley, of Wheaton, also has a unique style of art work she will be showcasing at the fair.
After using the Batik style, she decided to apply what is traditionally done on cloth with dyes on rice paper and uses watercolor instead.
This technique has proved successful for the full-time artist, who has been displaying her pieces at the Naperville fair for the past six years.
"It's a very important extension of myself," she said.
Her work, which is inspired by nature, contains a combination of composition, design and color. Prints range in price from $40 to $180 while originals are priced between $400 and $3,000.
Since being created in 1960, the Naperville Woman's Club Art Fair has become the longest continuously running art fair in Illinois and is the club's main fundraiser.
All art work must be submitted and then be judged by three experts in the field. The pieces with the highest scores are shown at the fair.
Admission to the fair is free and other entertainment also is available, including a kids tent and art demonstrations.
All attendees are able to donate at the gate to help Naperville CARES, an organization that helps people in need. A silent auction also will be held with works donated from participants and clay bowls made by "The Clay People," an organization comprised of artists who donate their time and talents to help stop hunger. All proceeds will be shared among three Naperville food pantries.
Art Fair Chairwoman Beth Morin said the fair allows people "to experience life through the eyes of the artist."
If you go
What: The Naperville Woman's Club 50th Annual Art Fair
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St.
Tickets: Free admission and parking
Info: (630) 420-9680 or www.napervillewomansclub.com/artfair.html