Deer Path Art League’s 69th annual Art Fair on the Square breaks attendance records in Lake Forest

The Deer Path Art League (DPAL) proudly celebrated the 69th annual Art Fair on the Square this past Labor Day weekend, marking a monumental return to the historic Market Square in downtown Lake Forest. With nearly 130 esteemed fine artists selected through a rigorous double-blind jury process, this year's fair set a new recent attendance record, drawing an estimated 16,000 visitors over the two-day event.

Under perfect weather conditions, the Art Fair on the Square showcased an impressive array of nationally and internationally renowned artists, highlighting the diverse and dynamic nature of contemporary fine art. The event, a cherished annual tradition on Chicago’s North Shore, has earned its place among the oldest fine arts fairs in the nation.

Morgan Adams, Executive Director of DPAL, expressed enthusiasm about the event’s success, noting, “This has been by far the largest crowd we have had since the pandemic. The overwhelming turnout is a real reflection of Lake Forest’s love for the arts and the exceptional caliber of the artists featured.”

This year’s festivities were enriched by live music performances, a variety of food vendors, engaging youth art programming and exhibitions of local young artists. Linda Scholly, President of DPAL, had the honor of presenting the 2024 Best in Show award to Glenn Woods of The Pottery Boys, who achieved the prestigious recognition for the second consecutive year. The award winners across various categories — including ceramics, digital art, drawing/pastels, fiber, glass, graphics/printmaking, jewelry, metal, mixed media, painting, photography, sculpture and wood — were selected by a panel of three independent guest judges, who vary each year.

Established in 1954, the Deer Path Art League is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to fostering and celebrating creativity in the Lake Forest community. Beyond the Art Fair on the Square, DPAL also organizes the Lake Forest Sculpture Stroll and Emerging Artist awards, further advancing their mission to enhance awareness and appreciation of the arts.

For more information about the Deer Path Art League and upcoming events, visit deepathartleague.org.