This weekend, from 10AM to 5PM, July 14 and 15, the 53rd annual Naperville Woman’s Club Fine Art Fair returns to Naper Settlement, located in the heart of Naperville at Aurora and Webster streets. More than 100 artists will be exhibiting at the longest running art fair tradition in Illinois.
The art show provides time for leisurely strolls through Chicagoland’s outdoor history museum. Admission is free both days.
Original artwork in clay, fiber, glass, jewelry, mixed media, metal, painting, photography, sculpture and wood were submitted to a jury of judges for acceptance into the exhibit. Ribbons and cash prizes will be awarded to winning artists by local judges and NWC during awards festivities Saturday evening.
“We are so excited to be back at Naper Settlement this year!,” said NWC Fine Art Fair Chairwoman Roxanne Lang. “There’s something for everyone, and we’re able to bring to Naperville many talented local and national artists who will be selling and exhibiting their beautiful works.”
The Naperville Woman’s Club also is pleased to be partnering with Dick Blick’s Art Materials in the ‘Petite Picasso’ area, a hand-on are for youngsters.
Plus, this year everyone is invited to the air-conditioned Meeting House on the south end of the Settlement and bid on items donated by the artists for the Silent Auction.
“And you do not have to be present to win,” Lang added.
Live entertainment throughout the weekend will feature Running Fox Blue Grass and the Naperville Chorus on Saturday, starting at 12:30PM, and beginning at noon on Sunday, The Project Inclusion Ensemble from the Chicago Sinfonietta will perform.
“There is something for everyone and admission to the Settlement and Art Fair is free all weekend,” Lang said.
Over the years, the art fair has grown to include fine artist demonstrations, the Empty Bowl Fundraiser to benefit local food pantries and more.
Photos from several NWC Fine Art Fair in recent years are reminders of prize-winning artists as well as the dedication of the women who have organized the exhibit year after year.
For more information about the Naperville Woman’s Club, its philanthropy and its meetings, visit the club’s Web site.
Naper Settlement also is just steps from downtown Naperville where more than 40 eateries will whet any appetite with culinary delights.
Also, Footsteps: A Guided Tour of Century Walk Art will give art lovers —and folks who want to be— a chance to meet up with some of Naperville’s interesting characters and history as told via sculpture, mosaic and murals. Footsteps runs from 1-2:30PM Sunday, July 15.
This walking tour is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts: Art Works.
Tickets are $12; free admission for Naperville Heritage Society Sustaining Members.
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