UPDATE! 10PM Sept. 15! After tens of thousands of art lovers attended the two-day 28th annual Riverwalk Fine Art Fair, 130 artists began their take-down at 5PM, followed by a mass exodus from downtown Naperville. Now Jackson Avenue glistens like a shimmering ghost town. Thanks for a really good show, Debbie Venezia and all!
UPDATE!  11AM Sept. 15: The Naperville Art League’s 28th Annual Riverwalk Fine Art Fair continues today until 5PM, as long as it’s not windy.  After a spectacular start yesterday, a drippy day is underway, but the art show must go on, according to Debbie Venezia, Executive Director of the Riverwalk Fine Art Fair, and Laura Rivas, art fair volunteer and past president of the Naperville Art League, as they were greeting blue ribbon winners.
One thing in common today among art enthusiasts is an umbrella. Â Right at 10AM, the inclement weather welcomed many interested individuals to meander along Jackson Avenue and the Riverwalk brick path under cover while juried artists continued to display their spirit of creativity and expression. Sounds of happy chatter and exchanges communicated that the artists and their works were appreciated by all.
PN was thrilled to see that the dress art collection of 3-D Mixed Media by John Petry from Chattanooga, Tennessee, had won a blue ribbon. Be sure to look for his remarkable designs in Booth #75.
Original post on a gloriously sunny September 14
Oh! What a beautiful morning to visit the Naperville Art League’s 28th Annual Riverwalk Fine Art Fair. This year’s exhibit has attracted many new and returning artists to its natural setting along Jackson Avenue and the Riverwalk between Main and Eagle streets.
Hours are 10AM to 5PM both Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 14 and Sept. 15.
The Naperville Art League Information Booth, located on the northeast corner of Webster and Jackson, is chock full of everything you need to know about NAL membership, programs, classes and gallery shows as well as the artists on exhibit today and tomorrow.
Early on Saturday, PN captured a few photos as 130 artists and craftsmen were putting the finishing creative touches on their displays, booth after booth.
We’ll feature a few of the pieces that caught our eye this morning before art enthusiasts begin lining the walkway to see what’s new for 2013.
For starters, be sure to see the innovative dress art collection of 3-D Mixed Media by John Petry from Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Steven Graber traveled from Baldwin City, Kansas, to exhibit in the Riverwalk Fine Art Fair for the first time. Give him a warm welcome at Booth #107 where you’ll be introduced to 18 of his “mixed media” paintings that set your imagination free.
While talking to the artists, many said they have been exhibiting in the Riverwalk Fine Art Fair for more than 20 years. Yoran Gal, from Old Jaffa, Israel, has shown his work in Naperville for about five years, “maybe more,” he said. He travels to art fairs throughout the world to exhibit his work that always includes a self-portrait or two.
This year’s art fair is rich in a variety of paintings, ceramics, sculpture, photography, jewelry, woodworking, textiles, 2-D and 3-D. The Riverwalk in the heart of downtown Naperville provides a beautiful natural setting to appreciate art. Downtown Naperville also offers an array of shopping opportunities and more than 40 eateries within walking distance of the art fair. Come spend the day!
Class Act II Concert at 4:30PM, Sat., Sept. 14
At the end of the first day of the Riverwalk Fine Art Fair, folks can mosey over to Fredenhagen Park for a concert featuring the Class Act II Big Band, directed by Ted Fredenhagen.
Update Sept. 15: The free concert, sponsored by the Riverwalk Foundation, attracted jazz fans of all ages. Youngsters danced to the music and Fredenhagen said he already was looking forward to returning in 2014. Mark your calendar and see the Class Act II Concert the same time next year, right between the two-day NAL Riverwalk Fine Art Fair.
Congratulations to all participants who have helped put on this special weekend to celebrate the visual and performing arts in Naperville! Â Welcome!
Naperville Independent Film Festival continues today through Sept. 21
The 6th Annual Naperville Independent Film Festival (NIFF) began its week of screenings last night. For a preview of the schedule and all the locations that lead up to the grand finale and awards ceremony on Sat., Sept. 21, at Center Stage Theater, visit www.NaperFilmFest.org.
