The year was 1960: John F. Kennedy gained the public’s affection during the first ever televised presidential debate and won the election. Alfred Hitchcock introduced audiences to the movie “Psycho,” and instilled fear in anyone thinking of checking into a roadside motel. People across the country were twisting the night away on Saturdays and tuning into CBS on Sundays to watch Ed Sullivan and his really big show. Meanwhile . . . the leaders of the Naperville Woman’s Club (NWC) were working on a really big show of their own and launched the Naperville Woman’s Club Fine Art Fair. Considered to be one of the longest continuously-running art fairs in Illinois, the event has been bringing a fine arts and crafts exhibition and sale to Naperville since West Side Story first appeared on Broadway.
Now in its 60th year, the Woman’s Club fair emerges with a new name and renewed energy. Debuting as the Naperville Fine Art & Artisan Fair, the show has retained the best of its former self and has added a number of enhancements that are sure to please. Attendees can expect to find 130 artists displaying a wide variety of media on Saturday and Sunday, June 22 and 23 at Naper Settlement. ClaySpace’s “Empty Bowls” project and a silent auction comprising pieces donated by participating artists return to raise funds to support local food pantries. Art fair goers will also encounter innovative additions including an interactive community mural, Petite Picasso activities for kids, a balloon artist, gourmet food and beverage vendors, and Shaun Hays, an internationally recognized chalk artist.
Organizers are optimistic that the enlivened show will garner a positive impact.
“The Naperville Fine Art & Artisan Fair is the club’s signature event, and with the new features added this year, it’s bound to be an even better way for our club to fulfill its mission to bring art to the community,” said Julie Cunningham, NWC’s Arts Program Chair.
Proceeds from the art fair support NWC’s philanthropic goals and contribute to the betterment of the community. Thanks to its major fundraiser, Witches Night Out, the organization donated a record-breaking $61,000 to local businesses and individuals. To find out more, visit www.napervillewomansclub.org.
Naperville Fine Art & Artisan Fair
10AM to 5PM Sat. & Sun., June 22 & 23
Naperville Settlement
523 South Webster
Admission is free
INFO: (630) 420-9680
