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Art in the Barn showcases fine art in a unique setting

Posted September 23, 2010 11:00 pm

Looking to add a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork to your home? Or just love window-shopping at an art fair? Then the 36th annual Art in the Barn juried exhibition and sale is for you.

This year's show will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 25-26, on the grounds of Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, 450 W. Highway 22, Barrington. This open-air event, held rain or shine, showcases artists and their works in rustic barns and farm buildings as well as artist-provided tents.

"It's a wonderful weekend," said Faith Semla, publicity chairwoman for the Art in the Barn committee. "A lot of families come out."

Art in the Barn began in 1974 when a group of 10 women and local artists met to develop a quality art event for the Barrington area. What began as an art show with 30 artists and 1,500 attendees has grown into a unique art festival that appeals to art lovers and families alike. Last year, the show drew more than 6,500 visitors from surrounding communities and states.

This year a jury of art specialists has selected more than 170 artists who will offer original fine art in a variety of media including acrylic, ceramics, drawing, fiber, glass, jewelry, mixed media, oil, pastels, photography, printmaking, sculpture, watercolor and wood. All of the art is conceived and created by the artist, a requirement to be considered for the show.

Art in the Barn is open to artists on a national level, but due to the economy and cost of travel, this year most artists are from the Midwest, according to Sherry Tomasko, co-chairwoman of the Art in the Barn artist committee.

Most of the 2009 top 10 and best of show artists will be at this year's exhibition, which is sponsored by the Auxiliary of the hospital.

Prices for the art, especially jewelry, vary widely, Semla said. So visitors may be surprised at how affordable some pieces might be.

"There is something for everyone because the price range is quite varied," Semla said. "That's one of the great things about the show."

Besides browsing the many art exhibits, visitors will be able to take part in children's art activities and pony rides as well as enjoy music and entertainment almost every hour. Returning favorites include the Barrington Children's Choir, Big Sky String Band, Jeweled Ice, Suzuki Strings, Bataille Academie of the Danse, Second Wind, Lee Bassett, The Guys, and Alex & The Allstars. There will also be a brat tent and vendors offering a variety of food.

Admission is $5; children 12 and younger admitted free. Parking is free. Pets are not allowed at the show.

The Auxiliary donates net proceeds from the show to Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, including the Cardiac Care Center and the Emergency Department Expansion at the hospital, in addition to providing scholarships for college students pursuing degrees in the field of health care.

For information, call (847) 381-2094 or visit artinthebarn.org.

Art in the Barn entertainmentSATURDAY11 a.m.: Suzuki Strings 12:15 p.m.: Barrington Children's Choir 1:30 p.m.: Big Sky String Band2:45 p.m.: Jeweled Ice 3:45 p.m.: The GuysSUNDAY11 a.m.: Lee Bassett (keyboard) 12:30 p.m.: Bataille Academie of the Danse2 p.m.: Second Wind3:30 p.m.: Alex the AllstarsChildren's activities: Art projects from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and SundayPony rides: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. SundayFalse20001390Kelley Smith, right, of Chicago talks with artist Cheryl Holz of Aurora about her work as Tonya Smith of Springfield, Mo., points out an interesting detail about the piece at the 2009 Art in the Barn festival in Barrington.Mark Welsh | Staff PhotographerFalse If you goWhat: 36th annual Art in the BarnWhen: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 25-26Where: Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, 450 W. Highway 22, BarringtonCost: $5; children 12 and younger admitted free. Parking is free.Details: (847) 381-2094 or <a href="http://artinthebarn.org" target="new">artinthebarn.org</a>

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