Local art graces the walls at Galloway's Subs
The Galloway family was trying to figure out the best way to decorate the walls of their new sandwich shop along Randall Road.
On one wall they put shots of famous Chicago landmarks, illustrating what their business, Galloway's Chicago Subs, is all about - Chicago-style sandwiches.
But they also wanted something to illustrate their underlying philosophy of being community-minded with their new Crystal Lake business at 1295 Randall Road, just north of CVS.
After much thought, they approached local elementary school art teachers, and decided they would feature children's artwork on their walls.
The artwork has become such a popular feature at the restaurant, that owner Judy Galloway switches out the prints each month to give the customers some variety as they come in to eat their subs each day, and to give more children a chance to be featured.
She'll visit a new school every month, and pick up the new artwork to hang on the walls.
Soon, she'll even be branching out to the high schools, and featuring those older artists on the wall, as well.
The customers are always excited to see what new pictures are hanging on the walls, she said.
"People really like it," Galloway said."We get comments all of the time.
"They look at it and they're really curious because they like the artwork. When they see it's from grade school kids, they're in shock because it's so good," she said. "They're very excited about it."
The children especially love to see their artwork on the walls.
Often they'll bring their parents and grandparents into the restaurant to enjoy the food, and to show them what they created and how prominently it's featured on the restaurant's walls.
Once the pictures are up for the month at Galloways, the children get their artwork back.
"When we bring it back, we drop it off with a coupon for the kids to come in, and a thanks for what they did," Galloway said.
Galloway said the idea is catching on.
She's had representatives from area libraries and other local businesses come in to take snapshots of the wall, so they could duplicate something similar in their locations.
Van Duzer Vineyards: On Nov. 12, Gibby's Wine Den along Randall Road in Geneva will welcome Tanna Massar from Van Duzer Vineyards.
The event begins at 7 p.m. with Tanna leading a presentation on the Van Duzer story and its portfolio of wines.
There will be a raffle that evening, with two customers winning a two-night stay at the Van Duzer winery, located in the Willamette Valley in Oregon. The prize will also include a tasting and tour.
Reservations are required for the event, which costs $20 per person.
For information call (630) 208-6424 or visit www.gibbys-wine.com.
• Amy Williams' column covers all the news of business along the Randall Road corridor from Batavia to Crystal Lake. Contact her at randallbiz@comcast.net or (847) 894-5036.