St. Charles Fine Art Show draws art patrons looking to buy
The 16th Annual St. Charles Fine Art Show isn't the kind of suburban craft fest dominated by dreamcatchers and Chicago Bears quilts.
The popularity of the show spawns from its ability to bring in artists from across the region displaying their paintings, sculptures, carvings, jewelry and photos in a forum where those works of art will be judged by their peers and have a good chance at finding a buyer.
The annual show features a Patron Program that typically generates more than $40,000 in art purchases each year. More than 110 artists, half of whom have never appeared at the show before, will have a shot finding new commissions.
The show runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday on Riverside Avenue between Route 64/Main Street and Illinois Avenue. Admission is free.
While some art buyers purchase art for their own enjoyment, businesses have purchased art for offices, waiting rooms and company displays. Patrons have also used this program to purchase art for local schools and the library, according to a preview provided by the Downtown St. Charles Partnership.
Previously, one business commissioned an artist to create two sculptures for the company. Businesses and individuals will also have the option of receiving recognition on the Fine Art Show program.
This year, six artists specializing in six different media will conduct Art Talks.
The conversations will allow the artists to talk about the inspiration behind their pieces and the process of creating them. Art Talks about sculpting, photography, mixed media creations, pencil drawings and clay creations will unveil the creative process behind multiple pieces of art Saturday and Sunday at the show.
The theme of the feature tent at the show is "The Art of Fine Craft," presented by the Fine Line Creative Arts Center near St. Charles.
The center is one of the few regional art centers in the country where artists teach adults in workshops how to work with textiles, ceramics, graphic arts, metalwork, glass, jewelry and other art forms.
The tent will host demonstrations on making glass beads with a torch, how to use prairie plants and other materials to create handmade paper, blacksmithing and weaving textiles.
St. Charles Fine Art Show
What: The Downtown St. Charles Partnership's 16th annual St. Charles Fine Art Show
When: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
Featuring: Art Talks will take place in the participating artist booth, which will allow artists to talk about the inspiration and process of their work while sharing multiple pieces.
Where: Riverside Avenue between Route 64/Main Street and Illinois Avenue
Cost: Free admission/parking
More information: www.<a href="http://www.stcharlesfineartshow.com">stcharlesfineartshow.com</a>
<b>Saturday</b>1 p.m.: Jack McLean, sculptor
3 p.m.: Larry Oliverson, photography
5 p.m.: Kevin Lahvic, painting/mixed media
<b>Sunday</b>11 a.m.: Andria Burchett, pencil
1 p.m.: Bob Wilfong, sculptor
3 p.m.: Teresa Wooden, clay