Naperville Woman’s Club seeks sponsors for annual art fair in support of local philanthropy

Above / The Naperville Woman’s Club meets in the historic landmark stone church that recently received interior renovations. Since 1897, the philanthropic organization has supported local cultural and educational initiatives.

The Naperville Woman’s Club will host its 57th Juried Fine Art Fair at Naper Settlement July 9 and 10, 2016.

The weekend event is the longest running art fair in Illinois. The two-day festival draws local and regional artists to Naperville, welcoming thousands of art enthusiasts to Naper Settlement, Chicagoland’s outdoor history museum.

Thanks to generous sponsors who help underwrite the event, it’s possible to keep the summer tradition alive and attractive with free admission both days, organizers say.

Above / Thanks to fundraisers such as the Naperville Woman’s Club Fine Art Fair, the volunteer service organization recently hosted its “Celebration of Philanthropy” at which time gifts were presented to beneficiaries this year. 

Celebration of Philanthropy

“Our 2016 ‘Celebration of Philanthropy,’ at which we distributed donations to three food pantries, an arts cooperative, seven social service organizations, and two colleges for scholarships, brings our charitable giving for the year to $21,000,” said NWC President Julie Cunningham. “We love to support our community!”

According to Judy Kovarik, organizer of the recent celebration, 360 Youth Services, Samaritan Interfaith Counseling Services, Allen J. Lynch Foundation, Tammy’s Trace Midwest Shelter for Women, ClaySpace Ceramic Arts, Heffer International, Canine Champions, DuPage Senior Citizens, Loaves & Fishes, St. Thomas Food Pantry and Humanitarian Service Project were among the long list of beneficiaries.

Grants for scholarships were given to North Central College and College of DuPage.

“ClaySpace Ceramic Arts, a nonprofit ceramic studio, helps us at the art fair,” added Kovarik. “They display bowls and other ceramic items from artists that raise funds for local food pantries. We were happy to add them to our list this year.”

Above / Attractive exhibits under cover of tents create a popular scene for art lovers from 10AM to 5PM on the second Saturday and Sunday in July. 

NWC Fine Art Fair celebrates long history in outdoor setting

The Naperville Woman’s Club has hosted this family-friendly event since 1960 when first started with art displayed on park benches under the big trees in Central Park.  The art show moved to the beautifully landscaped Naper Settlement in 1969, always growing and featuring fine artists from Naperville and beyond.

“Sponsors can bring art and culture to our community while supporting the Woman’s Club, a philanthropic, nonprofit organization,” said Marie Gnesda, Naperville Woman’s Club Art Fair Manager, noting sponsorships are now being accepted.

Individuals and businesses are welcome to help sponsor the two-day event. For information, contact Gnesda at (630) 803-9171.

For more information about membership, rental of the historic clubhouse (handicap accessible), monthly meetings held on first Wednesday at 11:30AM, programs and/or the art fair, visit www.napervillewomansclub.org.