Itasca pairs art, wine with weekend festival
Organizers think three times is the charm for the Itasca Art and Wine Festival, which returns this weekend to the village's Usher Park.
Since the event launched in 2009, founder and village Trustee Ellen Leahy said the fest has been gaining a good reputation.
“I would say the momentum is building,” she said. “The residents like it a lot, and it's another festival in Itasca that is unique. Even people from other towns have come up to me and said, ‘I really like what Itasca is doing.'”
The annual festival, running Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 24 and 25, will feature works from nearly 60 artists from throughout the country as well as vintages from four Illinois wineries: Berryville Vineyards of Claremont, Bretz Wildlife Lodge and Winery of Carlyle, Fox Valley Winery in Oswego and Itasca's own Wine with Me.
Visitors can browse booths and sip their favorite spirits throughout the weekend, accompanied by special events that will punctuate the fest.
A special charity auction is planned Saturday evening, featuring items donated by the artists and wineries. Proceeds will be split evenly between the donor and charity, and bidding closes at 8:30 p.m.
But the auction isn't the only way the event seeks to help others. Organizers also have been collecting pajamas and children's books for the Pajama Program, which distributes the items to children waiting to be adopted. The charity joined up with the fest last year and Leahy chose to continue the tradition.
But the centerpiece of the festival is an auction of about a half-dozen benches decorated by participating artists. The Benches on Parade auction closes at 3 p.m. Sunday.
Proceeds from the benches auction help continue the festival's juried art show, which offers about $4,000 in prize money for competing artists this year.
Leahy said this helps keep the festival alive and attract top talent.
“It's been tough for artists the last few years,” she said. “But we have not only returning artists, but several are also bringing their friends.”
The auction and artist entrance fees also generate revenue for Itasca, which Leahy said is good news as Itasca and many surrounding suburbs face flat income in a tough economy. In addition, she added, the festival brings visitors form other towns and artists who stay in area hotels.
If you go
What: “Benches on Parade” Art and Wine Festival
When: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25
Where: Usher Park, Walnut Street and Irving Park Road, Itasca
Details: Features work by 60 artists and wine from four Illinois wineries, as well as a charity auction and decorated bench auction
Cost: Free admission
Info: itasca.com