Artists wanted for conservancy's art show

The Land Conservancy of McHenry County, a local nonprofit land preservation organization, is accepting applications from area artists for the eighth annual Art of the Land, a juried art show and sale that will be held Sept. 23-24 at the historic Starline Gallery in Harvard. Art of the Land is its major fundraising event of the year.

Art of the Land is a showcase for regional artists to share their art that is inspired by the local landscape.

"There are so many creative people in and around McHenry County who draw their inspiration from the natural beauty that surrounds us. Art of the Land is a way for area artists to support preservation of the local land by sharing - and selling - their creations," said Mary Mariutto, a Crystal Lake artist who helped found the event in 2009.

Artist guidelines and application materials are available now at www.ArtoftheLand.org. Hanging art, sculpture and floor pieces will be considered. The application deadline is Friday, Aug. 5. The jurors' decisions will be announced by Aug. 19.

The Land Conservancy of McHenry County retains 30 percent of all sales to support its land preservation efforts, including high-quality wetlands and woodland habitats, farmlands, scenic vistas, historic farmsteads and similar valuable land resources in McHenry County.