National presence at Naperville Fine Art Fair
The Naperville Woman's Club's annual juried Fine Art Fair will have more of a national presence than ever this year.
The event, which is in its 51st year, accepted applications online for the first time, drawing 105 artists from Naperville and across the country.
The art fair will go from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 10 and 11, at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St. Admission is free.
"Being at Naper Settlement, it's a beautiful venue to showcase all the artwork and (it) kind of showcases Naperville as well," art fair Director Roxanne Lang said.
Art lovers will find a variety of art media including painting, ceramics, stained glass, jewelry, metal, sculpture and photography.
The fair, which has about 20 to 25 more artists than last year, is the largest continuously running art fair in the state. Ribbons and cash prizes will be awarded to the top artists.
In addition to purchasing art, fairgoers will enjoy entertainment from the Naperville School of Performing Arts, munch on snacks from food vendors and check out a high school art exhibit.
There also will be a Petite Picassos children's tent.
"Children can come and create their own masterpieces," Lang said.
The Naperville Newcomers and Neighbors Club is also getting in on the fun at the fair. The group will hold a baking contest at 10 a.m. Sunday. In addition, the Weed Ladies group will raffle off a quilt this weekend.
Artists at the fair also have donated pieces to the event's silent auction that raises money for area food pantries. Through the Empty Bowls project, The Clay People ceramic arts club of the ClaySpace Studio in Warrenville will be selling ceramic bowls to benefit the cause as well.
Part of the proceeds from the art fair will go toward an art scholarship at North Central College.
"It's one of the ways we keep art and culture happening in Naperville," Lang said.
Naperville Woman's Club 51st annual juried Fine Art FairWhen: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 10 and 11Where: Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St.Tickets: FreeInfo: (630) 420-9680; napervillewomansclub.com/artfair.htmlTrue20001282Roughly 105 artists from around the country will showcase their work this weekend at the Naperville Woman's Club 51st annual juried Fine Art Fair. The woman's club accepted applications online, attracting artists from all over the country.Paul Michna | Staff Photographer, 2007True