Fine Line is one of 14 stops on the Fox River Arts Ramble June 11

The Fox River Arts Ramble on June 11 is a one-day self-guided art tour of 14 locations in the Fox Valley. This area is rich in art, artists, and art locations.

Fine Line Creative Arts Center, 37W570 Bolcum Road in St. Charles, is one of locations taking part this year.

The campus will be jam-packed with local artisans selling handcrafted items at the Outdoor Artisan Market.

This year, Fine Line has expanded its jewelry artists, adding three new artists to the five returning artists. One such artist is Susan Larsen who creates pieces that reflect our deep connection to the natural world. She says, "When worn, my jewelry revitalizes the wearer's relationship with nature. The shapes, lines and textures of my work's stylized designs resonate with organic power and mystery."

Nancy Krahn is one of the returning jewelry artists. Krahn, whose work is influenced by the Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements, has participated in art festivals and events for over 35 years. Another returning artist is Andrea Krause. Krause specializes in jewelry with precious and semiprecious stones. Her jewelry has a delicate refinement in its style, perfect for everyday wear.

Diane Drish often uses Fordite in her jewelry pieces. Fordite, also known as Motor Agate, is a unique automotive enamel material created by the now extinct practice of hand spray-painting multiple cars in big automotive factories. The oversprayed paint in the painting bays gradually built up on the tracks and skids that the car frames were painted on. Over time, many colorful layers built up there. These layers were hardened repeatedly in the ovens that the car bodies went into to cure the paint. The result is some colorful pieces that become unique jewelry items in the hands of Drish.

Returning this year are ceramic artists Matt Brej, Jodi Younglove and Monica Casey.

Brej is well known at Fine Line for his one-of-a-kind mugs that are just the right size to hold the morning's first coffee and make great Father's Day gifts.

Younglove's functional pieces in gorgeous blue and green tones highlight any dining experience.

Casey, known by many at Fine Line for her gourmet salt selection and salt cellars, always has a great selection of items.

Art for All Elgin will also be returning this year, occupying two tents on the Fine Line campus, and bringing a range of their art.

Not only will glass blowing artist Alan Shontz be demonstrating his art form, along with fellow glass blowing artist Henry Auyeung, but they will also be selling their work.

Ellen Phillips will be selling her handcrafted baskets, while Jennifer Chou will have a superb selection of hand-woven scarfs.

Fused glass artist Amy Simpson's glass flowers are always a big hit at art shows and sure to sell out.

While the outdoor artisan market is one reason to visit the event, it is not the only reason.

There will be art demonstrations from Fine Line faculty members throughout the day, including Dan Caldwell, the Fine Line blacksmith, and Alan Shontz, who teaches glassblowing.

The Painting Studio will be occupied by two of the Fine Line instructors, Carol Zack, who teaches oil pastel, and Marisol Cervantes, a new instructor at Fine Line who teaches acrylic painting.

Other crafts being demonstrated include paper making and pottery wheel throwing.

If you have ever thought about taking a class at Fine Line, this is a great way to visit the campus and meet some of the artists who teach at Fine Line.

New this year is the addition of a food truck and a local brewery. The Dirty Bird Food Truck from Sycamore will be at Fine Line from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., selling their succulent chicken strips, smoked wings and more, while Riverlands Brewing Co. will have a few excellent beer options for you to wet your whistle with.

Fine Line has been fortunate enough to work with Bird Garden Studios in St. Charles for this event. Bird Garden Studios is a multiroom recording studio owned and operated by producer Ryan Caldwell. Caldwell has brought together a fantastic group of local musicians to provide live music throughout the day in one-hour slots beginning at 10 a.m. and will running sound to ensure the best possible sound.

The first artist of the day is Willard Wilcox, a singer-songwriter from the Chicago area who also performs in St. Louis and Iowa. His performances include both original songs and covers. Wilcox recently recorded his first solo, E.P., featuring his new fan-favorite single, "2 in the Morning."

Daniel Issak will follow Wilcox. Issak is a local musician who pulls inspiration from various songwriting traditions, from traditional blues to 1980s new wave, soul music, and garage rock. He can be found performing covers all across the Chicago area or making original music with his bands Sleet and Jesus Coyote.

The afternoon lineup begins with Invisible Cartoons which blend catchy melodies, intoxicating voices, bounce-inducing beats, dynamic guitar/bass rhythms, spine-tingling keytar riffs, and dramatic wordplay about love, friendship, and fun. The band includes Chris Shern (lead vocals), Jeff Goluszka (drums and backup vocals), Ryan Caldwell (keytar and backup vocals), Ryan Worthy (bass and backup vocals), and Justin Birchard (guitar and backup vocals). Based in the Chicago area, the group has been touring and performing their original music throughout the Midwest since 2012.

Singer/songwriter Demi Clara of Plainfield is scheduled to play at 1 p.m. She writes and sings about her struggles with mental health, toxic relationships, lust, first love, and more. Her honesty and vulnerability are what define her. She sings with a whole lot of passion and is an open book. She also can tell a decent dad joke!

Next will be Foxflitz. Based out of Chicago, Foxflitz is an original Dream Pop band consisting of talents from broad ranges of musical backgrounds. The band's four founding members are Taylor Little and Brian Janecek, with Michele Van Leeuwen on bass and Chris Ammann on drums. Pulling influences from Shoegaze, Dream Pop, and Surf Rock - Foxflitz successfully creates a unique sound.

The final musician of the day is Ryan Cooper, a powerhouse of energy, positivity, and enthusiasm. Styles like Progressive Rock, Reggae, RnB, and Funk are frequent ingredients for this musical omnivore. As he does in his bands Whoosh and Magnet Funk, Ryan Cooper's solo sets will undoubtedly leave you blown away and wanting more.

The Fox River Arts Ramble takes place on Saturday, June 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is a free event and will go ahead, rain or shine. It is an excellent way to get out and support local artists and art organizations in the Fox Valley area while listening to great music and enjoying great food and beer. There are so many great places taking part in the event this year and the Fine Line Creative Arts Center is a great place to visit on your day of art in the Fox Valley.