Naperville art fair's 50th draws newcomers and repeat visitors

The Naperville Woman's Club Fine Art Fair, now in its 50th year, drew many faces, some of whom had never been to the show before.

Betty Giacobbe has lived in Naperville for more than 20 years, but never had time to go to the art fair.

Now that she's retired, she has lots of spare time and Saturday marked her first visit appearance.

"I thought it was about time," said Giacobbe, who hoped to add a new piece of jewelry to her collection. "It's a beautiful day. It's good to be out and there are some lovely things."

Artist Chris Zonta had never displayed her mosaic pieces at the fine art fair; she uses beads, shells and broken tiles to create vases, game boards and chairs.

Zonta hails from the Northwest Side of Chicago and is a regular exhibitor at the Naperville Art League's Riverwalk Fine Art Fair

"I love Naperville as a town. I just think it is so charming and warm here."

It is that same intimate feel that keeps resident Mary Garbe coming back - she has gone to the show each year for the past 10.

And although the artist lineup hasn't varied much from year to year, Garbe always knows she'll find something new - and at reasonable prices.

"This is a real nice environment to pick up some neat pieces," said Garbe, who on Saturday bought two small oil paintings. "There's always something you didn't see here before."

The juried art fair, one of the longest, continuously running shows in the state, continues Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the historic Naper Settlement, located at Aurora Avenue and Webster Street.

It features a range of works from 87 artists from across the region and 75 booths that include pottery, painting, photography, mixed media and jewelry.

There also is a silent auction, food and a section for kids called "petite Picassos."

Admission is free.