Above / With fond memories of artists, volunteers and the Naperville Art League booth set up at along Jackson Avenue across from the Riverwalk Dandelion Fountain, longtime organizers will welcome art lovers to the 2020 Riverwalk Fine Art Fair when it returns virtually on the weekend of September 19-20. (PN File Photo)
Join more than 30 nationally-recognized artists online the weekend of Sept. 19-20, view their art, and shop. Naperville Art League, host of the 35th annual Riverwalk Art Fair (RFAF), announces a noteworthy event for art-enthusiasts that complies with coronavirus restrictions.
Beginning at 10AM Sat., Sept 19, log in to https://my.boothcentral.com/v/events/riverwalk-fine-art-fair for a visual treat. The juried art fair will feature art by familiar RFAF artists from past years and some talent new to the fair. Participants will have their work available for purchase and shipment to the buyers’ homes. The virtual art fair will be online through 5PM on Sunday, Sept 20.
Artists’ works and interviews, too
In addition to art, the event will feature interviews with some of the artists, glimpses into a few of their studios, and special weekend-only announcements.
“We want to engage people,” said Debbie Venezia, Executive Director of the RFAF. “The Riverwalk Fine Art Fair has always been relational. Naperville Art League has planned aspects that will educate and motivate,” she continued. “We’d like to thank Naperville’s SECA commission and our sponsors for helping us accomplish this.”
Due to the coronavirus, the nonprofit Naperville Art League saw increasing issues with holding its annual outdoor art fair near the Riverwalk.
“It was a day-to-day roller coaster as we watched the changing COVID regulations, thus making the decision to proceed or cancel very difficult.” Venezia explained. “Committed to hosting our annual event, we came up with a new twist for 2020, the virtual show. I am hopeful that next year we’ll be able to return to the in-person fair along the Riverwalk,” she noted.
Visit Naperville Fine Art Center & Gallery to see ‘Art Odyssey’
The 2020 version of RFAF will have some in-person aspects, with social distancing limitations in place. Visit the Naperville Fine Art Center & Gallery at the corner of 5th Avenue and Center Street, north of the train station, from 10AM to 5PM that Saturday and Sunday to see local artists’ work including paintings, jewelry, and other pieces.
The Gallery show, “Art Odyssey,” will be on display and the Naperville Art League Gift Shop will be stocked.
“Riverwalk Fine Art Fair is always a joy to present to the community,” according to Sally Sharp, NAL president. “As we step up to challenges of the times, now more than ever we recognize art’s healing aspect. This year’s fair promises to be a weekend for the whole community.” For the latest information about RFAF, go to www.napervilleartleague.com and visit Naperville Art League’s Facebook.
Naperville Art League is a 501c3 nonprofit, volunteer organization which offers art events and classes to the public. Donations to support the work of the League can be made via the website www.napervilleartleague.com or sent to Naperville Art League, 508 N. Center St, Naperville, IL 60563.
Story submitted by Linda VanderKolk for Naperville Art League.
