Art attracts, but that's not all you'll find at renowned festival
The annual Port Clinton Art Festival takes center stage this weekend at the Taste of Highland Park, featuring the work of more than 260 juried artists from around the country.
"Families are looking for opportunities to share happy experiences together during these tough economic times," says Amy Amdur, founder of Amdur Productions, which launched the show that has become an end-of-summer tradition.
"Art has the power to speak to you," she said. "It can elevate your mood and perspective. We want each of our guests to take that feeling home with them, whether it's with a new piece of art or the memory of a perfect summer's day."
Amdur tells us what you need to know about the festival.
Q. What makes this such a fabulous event?
A. Free and open to the public, the Port Clinton Art Festival is ranked the number three show in the country. Young artists, ages 18 and under, shine in the Youth Division of Show, which offers youths an opportunity to experience participating in a real art festival. More than 250,000 loyal art lovers travel from places near and far to visit this acclaimed show annually.
Q. How long has this event been in existence? How has it changed, and what is new this year?
A. The Port Clinton Art Festival has been a cultural tradition on the North Shore for 26 years. Veteran artists return to the show year after year as new artists emerge. One aspect that remains constant year after year is the quality of art showcased at the Port Clinton Art Festival.
Q. What's the highlight of the event?
A. The art is the main attraction, but guests will find much more when they visit the event. Live music from several local bands continues throughout the weekend. Guests are invited to enjoy the sounds of Chicagoland's Best Acoustic Band Cirrus Falcon, French guitarist Michelet Innocent, and harpist Ariane Lydon, as well as Highland Park's own Traveling Troupe. The Eileen Boevers Traveling Troupe, now in its 30th year, will present the musical numbers "Be Our Guest," a Mary Poppins medley, "No Business Like Show Business," "Kids" and "Goodbye." The Traveling Troupe is an audition-only group of fifth- through eighth-grade students who perform across the Chicago area.
Q. What kind of activities will appeal to kids and families?
A. In addition to the incredible artwork available at the festival, there are fun activities for showgoers of all ages. Activities just for kids include an art Bingo game where children serve as art explorers and an art tent where kids can create their own masterpieces. Many of the activities for children are free, but some are available for purchase. Proceeds benefit the Celiac Foundation and Children's Memorial Hospital.
Q. What about adults? What does the event offer them?
A. Extraordinary artwork and artist demos and an opportunity to meet masters in the field. Live music, great food and drink!
Q. What kinds of food and beverages will be for sale?
A. This year the Taste of Highland Park takes place in conjunction with the festival. Guests are invited to sip, nibble and nosh from several of Highland Park's most celebrated restaurants including Norton's, Stash's, Sushi Kushi, Tamales, Café Central, Sunset Foods, City Park Grill, Lincolnshire Gourmet, Jade, New York Slices, Fudruckers, Abigail's, Lou Malnati's, Blue Grass and Glunz Wine. The Taste of Highland Park opens at 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 28, and continues throughout the weekend. Chicago area bands, including American English and R-Gang, will be in concert at the festival, with a feature performance by The Buckinghams on Saturday night. For more information, visit downtownhp.com.
Q. Tell us about the organizers who pull this together.
A. Founded in 1984 Amdur Productions Inc. is a nationally acclaimed arts festival production company that organizes and directs a selection of the Chicago area's most prestigious and successful juried summer art fairs. All of Amdur's festivals have been rated in Sunshine Artist Magazine's top 100, with half in the top 50; and the Art at the Glen Town Center and Port Clinton Art Festival are in the top 10.
The Taste of Highland Park is brought to you by the Highland Park CBD Alliance, a partnership of the downtown Property Owners Association, the Highland Park Chamber of Commerce and the City of Highland Park. The Alliance was founded in 2008 to enhance the economic vitality of the central business district of Highland Park.