Eight September suburban arts and crafts shows
Like it or not, summer is almost over and fall is right around the corner. Temperatures will cool down, leaves begin to change color and the kids are all back in school.
But for the lover of fine arts and crafts, autumn is a time to heat up - the shopping that is.
Watercolors, oils, pottery, metal works, photography and more; there is something for everyone in the suburbs this fall. Here is just a sampling of the many places you can shop for fine art and crafts during the month of September:
Rakow Senior Center Fall Art Show
5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 7, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, at 665 Barrington Ave., Carpentersville. More than 100 paintings on display from a variety of local artists. Watercolor, oil and colored pencil artwork will be featured at the Dundee Township Senior Center's annual art show. Free admission and a raffle to win a painting. Raffle proceeds go to the Dundee Township Park District Senior Center. For information, call (847) 551-4307 or visit www.dtpd.org.
Autumn Art Tour
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 9. Artists and fine craftsmen in Woodstock and throughout McHenry County open their studios to display and sell their work. The free, self-guided tour will showcase art and fine crafts produced in the region. Maps available at Material Things Artisan Market, 103 E. Van Buren St., Woodstock. Pottery, painting, art glass, jewelry, photography and mixed media. For information, visit www.wpbw.org/art_tour.htm.
Festival of the Vine
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 9, on the south side of the historic Kane County Courthouse parking lot and on Campbell Street in Geneva. Local crafters and artists will showcase their talents. More than 75 exhibitors will display their creative wares in colorful tents. For information, visit www.genevachamber.com or call (630) 232-6060.
Fall Art & Crafts Adventure
9 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, at Hodges Park, 101 S. Courtland, Park Ridge. Explore the many talents and treasures of the artists and craft artists of the American Society of Artists at this popular juried show. Free admission. For information, visit americansocietyofartists.info/28th-annual-fall-arts-crafts-adventure.
Art on the Prairie: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 16, outdoors at Warrenville City Hall, along Manning Avenue. Art and music festival featuring artist displays for purchase, artist demos, music, dance, children's art station and food. Free admission. For information, visit warrenvilleparks.org.
Naperville Riverwalk Fine Art Fair
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 15-16, on Jackson, between Main and Eagle, and along Riverwalk, Naperville. 33rd annual juried art exhibition and sale sponsored by Naperville Art League. Free admission and parking. For information, visit downtownnaperville.com.
Chicago Botanic Garden's 34th American Craft Exposition
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21, and Saturday, Sept. 22; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 23, at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. This juried exposition and sale of fine craft features one-of-a-kind pieces and unique luxury collections from more than 140 craftspeople, including an emerging artists category. General admission tickets are $13-$15 for a single, three-day pass. Advance ticketing and parking packages can be purchased online for $30 for a single, three-day pass or $45 for two, three-day passes. General admission tickets are available in advance or at the door. Standard parking rates apply. For information, visit americancraftexpo.org or call (224) 364-7270.
Art in the Barn
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, and Sunday, Sept. 23, on the grounds of Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, 450 W. Hwy. 22, Barrington. 44th annual show features 175 artists exhibiting in all art mediums, including oil, watercolor, pastel, decoupage, drawing, acrylics, alcohol ink, fiber, glass, photography, digital media, jewelry, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, scratchboard, wood and mixed media. Admission is $5. No pets allowed. Proceeds benefit Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital. For information, visit www.artinthebarn-barrington.com.