Algonquin art show adds a splash of color to the weekend
If you're into art, Algonquin's downtown Riverfront Park is the place to be this weekend.
The third annual "Algonquin's Art on the Fox" show will feature about 35 artists from all over the Chicago area. Unlike previous one-day shows, this year's free event take place both Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
"We changed the length of the time so more people could attend," said Ben Mason, Algonquin's senior planner.
Half of the artists are returning from last year's show, David Farber being one of them. A born animal lover, the Carpentersville photographer got into the field as a teenager. On a trip to Everglades, Fla., Farber took pictures of the alligators, only to find the fearsome creatures turned into small lizards by his point-and-shoot camera.
He shoveled snow and cut grass for two years before saving enough to buy his first "real" camera, a Honeywell Pentax 35mm.
But Farber's photographer career was not a smooth sailing. A 1981 car-motorcycle crash left him paralyzed and only his right arm movable. It was not until two years later that Farber picked up a camera again, using a utility frame. The reason?
"I just saw this beautiful pine tree. I got to try," he said.
In 2006, Farber, 53, ventured into the Alaskan wilderness in an electric wheelchair.
This weekend, he will bring shots of grizzly bears along with his latest work on red-tailed hawks, which he observed for days to capture the flashing moments.
"Nature photography is all about the waiting game." said Farber.
Unlike Farber, NiMara Price will be a first-time artist at this weekend's show. Originally from Lithuania, the Streamwood resident is fascinated with still life paintings and old masters like Vermeer and Caravaggio.
"I love traditional art because everything is still so realistic. I love painting whatever I can touch in real life," said Price.
"It's a show not just for people who are established, but for people of all ranks," said show organizer Ann Leslie.
All pieces will be reviewed by Lynn Carlson, the Algonquin public art commissioner. The village will announce its "Best in Show" award Saturday night.
For the first time in three years, the organizer is bringing live music to the show. Mason said an Algonquin musician, Mary Lai, will be performing at the Riverfront Park from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.
"It should a great weekend for artists and art lovers to come out." said Mason.
<p class="factboxheadblack">If you go</p> <p class="News"><b>What: </b>Third annual Algonquin's Art on the Fox fine art show</p> <p class="News"><b>When:</b> 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 5-6</p> <p class="News"><b>Where:</b> Riverfront Park on North Harrison Street, one block north of Algonquin Road</p> <p class="News"><b>Admission:</b> Free</p> <p class="News"><b>Details:</b> <a href="http://algonquin.org" target="new">algonquin.org</a> or (847) 658-4184</p>