Fox River Arts Ramble expands with new locations and diverse offerings
The Fox River Arts Ramble on Saturday, June 7, will feature 14 locations across the Fox Valley showcasing local artists, including galleries, home studios, and art organizations.
This one-day, self-guided art tour includes galleries, artist home studios, and art organizations. This free event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with each location featuring fantastic artwork, art demonstrations, and opportunities to meet the artists.
This year’s locations:
ST. CHARLES
Fine Line Creative Arts Center
37W570 Bolcum Road
The Fine Line Creative Arts Center will host an artisan market featuring 29 artist tent spaces, where local artists will sell a range of artwork, including pottery, paintings, jewelry, and bags. The artists include: Alan Shontz/Hot Potato Glass, Amy Simpson Glass, Andrea's Wired Designs, Art by Tina Druce-Hoffman, Art for a better life, Art For All Elgin, Artistic Creations by Agnes, Caroline Barnard Art Studio, Carolyn Phipps with Timeless Stitchery, Court and Spark Studio, Danuta and Emma Loane Pottery, Frandson Hart Leather Goods, Grove Manor, Indie Art Park, J.L. Younglove Ceramics, Jane Cooper Hong, Jennifer Lee Chou, JG Artistic Creations Matt Brej Ceramics, Monica Casey Clay, Nancy Krahn Jewelry Design, Nature's HandyWork, P-Chan, Twinette Poterie, and Waubonsee Ceramics Club.
All-day art demonstrations, including painting, weaving, pottery, glassblowing, and blacksmithing, will also be featured.
There will be live music by local artists, with Josette Kacey at 10 a.m., Ryan Carney at 11 a.m., Invisible Cartoons at noon, Hanah Delilah at 1 p.m., Ben Jass at 2 p.m., and J.J. Smith at 3 p.m.
Food will be available from the popular Inches Taco Food Truck, and Riverlands Brewery will provide a selection of handcrafted beers.
23 Bins
6N586 Route 31
23 Bins is an artist studio space run by Cara Buono, who contributes to a safe, healthy, and sustainable world by using recycled textiles to create new garments under her label, Rescued Collection. This initiative is part of the slow fashion movement. Visit 23 Bins to see fiber artists in action.
3AM Studio
138 N. 11th Ave.
3AM Studio showcases vibrant and colorful paintings created with oil and acrylics. The artworks are primarily produced collaboratively, with individual pieces painted by Kelly Swayne and Todd Willing. The studio also features unique welded metal sculptures of various sizes by Todd Willing.
Jan Schmuckal Fine Art
4N510 Old Quarry Road
After relocating from Gallery 28 in Geneva, Jan Schmuckal, an oil painter, is excited to open her studio to the public for the first time. Join Jan and her four-legged assistant, Watson, to explore her new space and say hello.
Jim Reedy
1425 S. Sixth St.
Jim Reedy is a wood crafter whose pieces are created from natural elements, incorporating various species of wood as the primary material. He often combines wood with glass, stone, metal, and sometimes animal hides to craft one-of-a-kind works of art.
St. Charles Arts Council — ARC
121 N. Second St., Suite H
On the day of the ramble, the St. Charles Arts Council will be displaying a community art exhibit titled “A Kaleidoscope of Color” and will have artist demonstrations throughout the day.
GENEVA
Caitlin Palagi Creations
799 Parker Court
Caitlin Palagi is an intuitive artist who works with acrylics, oils, and recycled materials. Her artwork ranges from bright and whimsical to cool and emotive, exploring the intricacies of everyday life while navigating her inner and outer worlds. Visitors are invited to her outdoor garden studio for an interactive paint demonstration and the opportunity to browse and shop for art.
Studio Patty D
1031 E. State St.
Studio Patty D features the mixed media artwork of Patty Donahue, with colorful and vibrant floral pieces, stylized characters, and charming animal depictions transformed into wall art, prints, note cards, light switch covers, and various accessories. Handmade fabric statement earrings and hand-painted ornaments will also be available.
Geneva Public Library
227 S. Seventh St.
The Geneva Public Library will have on display an inspiring art exhibition titled “Through My Eyes,” featuring works from the library’s community outreach programs. Each piece reflects a personal perspective, celebrating creativity, self-expression, and the unique stories that art conveys.
Proud Fox Gallery & Frame Shop
213 W. State St.
Proud Fox Gallery and Frame Shop is a must-visit during the Ramble. This year, the gallery will feature Chicago-themed artworks, attractions, marquees, and skylines created by local artist Richard Sperry, a resident of St. Charles. The artist will be present to answer questions, and refreshments will be served.
The Winding Deerpath
316 Franklin Street
New this year, The Winding Deerpath in Geneva features approximately 40 artists, most of whom are local. The shop showcases artwork inspired by nature and offers a diverse range of items, including paintings, woodworking, baskets, and pottery.
BATAVIA
Water Street Studios
160 S. Water St.
Water Street Studios is a nonprofit community arts organization located in the heart of Batavia. It features award-winning galleries, 25 artist studios, a School of Art, and a thriving Clay Lab. During the Ramble, there will be an open house at the Clay Lab, where visitors can enjoy a ceramics sale and take tours of the historic building.
AURORA
The Nolan Gallery
33 S. Stolp
Another new location this year is The Nolan Gallery in Aurora, where photographer Nolan W. McCants invites visitors to step into solitude and experience the world through his lens. The gallery features stunning global photographs capturing moments from misty mornings in Illinois to sunlit streets in Greece and serene fields in Nigeria, celebrating the beauty of stillness and renewal.
Seven Setting Suns Art Gallery
14 W. Downer Place, Suite 12
Joining The Nolan Gallery in Aurora is another new location, Seven Setting Suns Art Gallery. This space offers a diverse selection of art for residential, commercial, and private retail spaces. The gallery provides a beautiful environment to appreciate the vibrant artwork of artist Vincenzo Valenziano. Additionally, they have a store filled with merchandise and gifts.
The Fox River Arts Ramble will take place rain or shine on Saturday, June 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is no admission fee to visit any of the locations. You can download a map of locations at www.foxriverarts.com or pick one up at one of the locations taking part. Whether you visit one location, all locations, or any number in between, this event is a great way to discover, shop, and experience some fantastic artists and art locations in the Fox Valley.