Check out Riverwalk Fine Art Fair this weekend online or at open house

Thirty-five years ago, Naperville Art League introduced its first Riverwalk Fine Art Fair by re-enacting the famous painting "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte" by Georges Seurat along Naperville's riverfront.

The original painting by the French post-Impressionist artist is part of the Art Institute of Chicago's permanent collection.

Since then, the Riverwalk Fine Art Fair has grown and is now recognized as one of the country's best juried art fairs. It has been the recipient of several "Best" awards.

Over the years, the fine art fair has endured heat waves, windstorms, street construction, a flooded river that receded just in time for the fair, the devastation of Sept. 11, 2001, and last-minute out-of-town artist cancellations due to a hurricane.

Faced with the coronavirus pandemic, but determined to hold its annual event, the Naperville Art League decided to hold the 2020 Riverwalk Fine Art Fair virtually rather than cancel.

Capitalizing on technology, the online event features many of the artists who would have otherwise come to town, including several favorites.

Connect to the art fair on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19-20, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at www.napervilleartleague.com/riverwalk-fine-art-fair.html or go to my.boothcentral.com.

To celebrate the art fair, the league is hosting a free open house, with social distancing and face masks, at its Naperville Fine Art Center & Gallery, 508 N. Center St. in Naperville.

Art and gift items by local artists will be on display and available for purchase, demos of art techniques will be happening, there will be live music in the parking lot, along with an outdoor info booth staffed with people to answer questions about classes and upcoming events.

Naperville Art League hopes to resume its in-person Riverwalk Fine Art Fair next year and once again greet the thousands of visitors on the streets of Naperville near the Riverwalk. Until then, the league thanks you for attending virtually and hopes to continue to inspire a passion for art.

Naperville Art League is a 501(c)3 nonprofit. For more information go to www.napervilleartleague.com or call (630) 355-2530.

Memberships are available and tax deductible donations appreciated.