Libertyville Festival of the Arts celebrates 30 years

Libertyville artist Cindi Sartain mainly sticks to teaching in District 70 schools. But once a year she offers her oil paintings for sale.

The occasion is the annual David Adler Music and Art Center's Festival of the Arts, which this year runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7, and noon to 4 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 8, at Cook Memorial Park in downtown Libertyville.

For Sartain, who has participated the past 15 years or so, the event is an opportunity to see familiar faces, bond with old friends and give her students a look at how art extends beyond the classroom.

"It's a great community event," she said.

Sartain is one of about 65 artists who will be offering a variety of original works for sale at the show, in its 30th year. The event is sponsored by Harris Bank.

"We just keep doing it every year," said Tim Weber, program director for Adler. "We usually have several thousand people come."

Artists from Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan and from as far away as Texas will offer pieces in a variety of media including ceramics, jewelry, painting, photography and metal works.

"It's a juried show so every artist has had to be reviewed to make sure their work is quality and original," said Weber. "We avoid things that are mass produced. They're all hand made."

Awards are presented in six categories (painting, photography, 3-D functional, 3-D nonfunctional, jewelry and two dimensional) and best in show.

The cost depends on what you're looking for.

"It really covers the whole gamut," Weber said. "We have things as low as $5 to as much as several thousand."

The festival a few years ago moved from the grounds of the Adler Center to Cook Park, long a community gathering place.

"It's more centrally located. It's easier for some people to find," Weber said. "By doing it downtown, we're also supporting the community and the local businesses benefit a little bit from the extra traffic."

Weber said organizers will be offering more entertainment this year. As usual, there will be an art activity area for kids to color and draw.

"It's fun to see people in the community and familiar faces," Sartain said.

<p class="factboxheadblack">If you go</p>

<p class="News"><b>What:</b> David Adler Music and Art Center Festival of the Arts</p>

<p class="News"><b>When:</b> 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 8</p>

<p class="News"><b>Where:</b> Cook Park, Milwaukee Avenue in downtown Libertyville</p>

<p class="News"><b>Cost:</b> Free admission</p>

<p class="News"><b>More info:</b> <a href="http://adlercenter.org" target="new">adlercenter.org</a> or (847) 367-0707</p>