[shareprints gallery_id=”34718″ gallery_type=”filmstrip” gallery_position=”pos_center” gallery_width=”width_100″ image_size=”xlarge” image_padding=”0″ theme=”dark” image_hover=”false” lightbox_type=”slide” titles=”true” captions=”true” descriptions=”true” comments=”true” sharing=”true”]The 55th Naperville Womans Club Fine Art Fair continues today through 5PM amid the bountiful gardens and historic buildings at Naper Settlement, Chicagoland’s outdoor history museum.
Early Sunday morning artists welcomed the day that promised clearer skies than ones that had threatened rain all day on Saturday.
“Despite the threat of rain all day, I was pleased with attendance on Saturday,” said Roxanne Lang, chairwoman of this year’s show. “I’m so happy to see the blue sky today.”
As NWC volunteers were assisting Sunday’s set up, several of the returning artists mentioned that Sunday is usually their best day. Art lovers often return on Sunday to purchase after giving consideration to the pieces they had admired on Saturday, other organizers said.
Twelve awards were announced during a reception Saturday evening. Those awards are identified at booths with large ribbons.
While touring the juried work of more than 90 artists, visitors are encouraged to note the fine artistry where the large ribbons identify the Best of Show, Naperville Womans Club Award, Awards of Excellence in five different categories as well as Awards of Merit in five categories.
Antoni Kozlowski, who traveled from “near Detroit, Michigan,” was honored with Best of Show for his jewelry, all designed with amber stones. His Booth 39 is located on the path across from the Paw Paw House. (Click the image atop this story to view a brief gallery of photos that includes Kozlowski’s exhibit.)
The NWC Award was presented to Paula Mae Green.
Awards of Excellence went to Bill Sahagram (2D), Shelly Weiser (3D), Ron Mellot (Photography), Paul Arbritton (Jewelry) and Jennifer Blitz (Fiber).
Awards of Merit were given to Laurie Ragan (2D), Cory McCrory (3D), Tim Johnson (Photography), Herb Brown (Jewelry) and Nicole Stansinski (Fiber).
Naperville artist Marianne Lisson Kuhn, known for her landscapes featuring Naperville icons and her work with Century Walk murals, is exhibited across from Century Memorial Chapel.
Naperville resident Shelly Weiser entered the fine art fair for the first time with his exhibit of wood carvings that he began creating 11 years ago at the age of 75. Â While many of the artists had traveled long distances to participate in this year’s show, Weiser, happy to show his yellow ribbon in Booth 105, said, “I live so close, I could have walked to Naper Settlement.”
With temperatures expected around 80 degrees, accompanied by summer breezes, today appears to be perfect for a stroll of the NWC Fine Art Fair. Plus, costumed interpreters will bring to life many of the historic buildings throughout Naper Settlement.
For more information about the Naperville Woman Club and their many programs in support of philanthropy, visit www.napervillewomansclub.org.
Or stop by their booth during the Fine Art Fair, located near another booth featuring information about the 7th Annual Naperville Independent Film Festival.
Thanks for supporting the arts!
