Gibby's gallery: Wine shop features local art

Gibby's Wine Den is now featuring some art to go along with your vino.

At the beginning of October, Gibby's Wine Den started Art By the Glass.

Through the program, the Geneva business, at 1772 S. Randall, will feature the works of one local artist each month.

They've set aside one wall in their store to serve as the artist's gallery.

“We've always had art in the store and we just sort of had this blank wall, and the idea of working with the arts in the area is quite popular,” said Mary McHugh, who is helping to put the program together.

“We said, ‘let's create a gallery wall and give local artists a chance to have a one-person show,' which is sort of rare for artists,” McHugh said.

The first artist to be featured is Kandice Husarik, who is showing her watercolors of still life at Gibby's.

Each month, the chosen artist get to display their work on the Gibby's wall, which is about 40 feet wide, by 20 feet high.

Depending on how large their work is, they can display between five and 40 pieces on the wall.

The business has had many artists interested in the program so far.

Organizers are now accepting applications for spring showings.

“To apply, it's just them coming in, showing their working, looking at the gallery space and deciding that Gibby's is good for them, and that their artwork fits with what we want,” McHugh said.

She added that the work can only be two-dimensional, as there isn't room for sculpture or three-dimensional work.

McHugh said she believes the program is a benefit for both the artist, and for the customers of Gibby's Wine Den.

Gibby's has been around since 2005, and features a wide variety of wines. They also often host events, which include wine and food tastings.

McHugh said she feels the art program fits perfectly with the business.

“I think it offers some variety and a little culture. It keeps them in touch with the community and I think for the artists it allows them to market their work to an audience that might not otherwise see it,” she said.

“I do believe people that are interested in wine and food and that type of mix of interests, also have an appreciation for the arts. I think bringing the arts to them, and giving the artist the opportunity to expose their work, it benefits both parties,” she said.

For information on Gibby's or the program call (630) 208-6424 or visit www.gibbys-wine.com/ArtBytheGlass.htm.

Scary stories: You've probably put a lot into that Halloween costume, so why not wear it more than once?

The Borders Books stores along Randall Road in both Algonquin and Geneva will host a Halloween Spooktacular this weekend.

Guests are invited to wear their costumes to the Saturday event, which begins at 11 a.m. at both stores.

The event, which is geared toward children ages 3 to 8, will feature a costume parade.

There also will be scary stories, spooky games and a creepy craft.

Everyone is welcome to attend.

Amy Williams' column covers all the news of business along the Randall Road corridor from Batavia to Crystal Lake. Contact her at randallbiz@comcast.net or (847) 894-5036.