One of the finest outdoor juried art fairs in the Midwest again will be set along the beautiful Naperville Riverwalk from 10AM to 5PM on Sat. and Sun., Sept. 14 and 15.
The weekend event begins at the intersection of Main Street and Jackson, and continues along the Riverwalk’s winding brick walkway. A natural showcase of flowers, fountains, covered bridges and sculpture along the DuPage River, the Riverwalk is the ideal setting for artists from around the United States and other countries to showcase their work.
This year, more than 600 artists competed for the 140 participating available slots that will feature a wide variety of artwork on exhibit, offered for purchase on both days of the fair.
“The Riverwalk Fine Art Fair attracts and brings the most talented artists from across the country to Naperville,” said Debbie Venezia, chairperson for the Riverwalk Fine Art Fair and executive director for the Naperville Art League. “And each year, we select three unique artists to represent the event and this year’s featured artists are among the very best.”
The 2013 event banners displayed throughout downtown Naperville feature the visually striking work of Vladimir Pailodze. Lynden St. Victor’s work “The Archer” is featured on the 2013 poster, making this year’s poster even more anticipated by collectors, and Steven Graber is the selected artist to represent the Riverwalk Fine Art Fair on its 2013 promotional postcard.
Thanks for supporting the arts!
Naperville Bank & Trust again is the presenting of the Riverwalk Fine Art Fair, with Cadillac of Naperville and the City of Naperville both providing additional funding support.
What’s more, special music will accompany the art exhibit near the Riverwalk Amphitheater when ensembles from the DuPage Symphony Orchestra set up to perform, providing a preview of the 5-concert DSO series, now celebrating its 60th anniversary season.
For more information about the event including directions, visit www.napervilleartleague.com and click on the link for the Riverwalk Fine Art Fair.
The Sept. 6, 2013, edition of the Daily Herald also featured an informative insert about the NAL Riverwalk Fine Art Fair.
Note that the spectacular exhibit of original art is within walking distance of dozens of local eateries in downtown Naperville.
History of the Riverwalk Fine Art Fair: Started in 1986 by Bruno Botorelli, developer of Riverwalk Apartments, Dr. Jonathan Croll, then president of the Naperville Art League and Dee Pasternak, League Publicity Chairman, the Riverwalk Fine Art Fair now has close to three decades of history in the Naperville community.
About Naperville Art League: The Naperville Art League with its Fine Art Center & Gallery, located at 508 N. Center St. in Naperville, is a resource to the community year-round for art, classes, special exhibits, auctions, and more. Each month, new gallery exhibits showcase the work of the talented member artists. These shows provide opportunities for art enthusiasts and collectors to purchase quality, original art at reasonable prices while giving members the ability to display their original pieces in a traditional gallery setting. The beauty of the visual display is not confined to the interior of the gallery: visitors are invited to enjoy the “Getting to Know the World’s Greatest Artists” mural on the exterior of the building. Designed by author/illustrator Mike Venezia and painted by Marianne Lisson Kuhn, it is one of the most colorful pieces on Naperville’s Century Walk. Gallery hours are Wednesdays through Fridays from noon to 4PM and Saturdays from 10AM to 4PM. For more information, visit www.napervilleartleague.com.
Class Act II Concert at Fredenhagen Park
Sandwiched between the two days of the Riverwalk Fine Art Fair again will be the Class Act II Concert at Fredenhagen Park beginning at 4:30PM Sat., Sept. 14. The 90-minute concert is a chance to listen to live big band sounds under the leadership of Ted Fredenhagen while connecting with friends and visitors in the gateway park adjacent to the Riverwalk as it leads to downtown Naperville and North Central College near the Washington Street Bridge.
The Naperville Park District will set up park benches in the spacious brick plaza surrounding the Exchange Club Memories Fountain.
Many jazz lovers bring their own collapsible chairs and join longtime Napervillians who enjoy reminiscing, dancing and singing along to familiar tunes from the Big Band Era of the 1930s and 40s on the property where Prince Castles and Cock Robin Ice Cream enterprises used to attract residents of all ages to create memories.
After the first musical set, Riverwalk Commission Chairman Jeff Havel will provide a brief update of happenings along the Riverwalk.
The free concert is sponsored by the Riverwalk Foundation.
