Above / The spacious outdoor setting at Naper Settlement again will provide the backdrop for the Naperville Woman’s Club to host its Naperville Fine Art & Artisan Fair. (PN File Photo 2019)
The Naperville Fine Art & Artisan Fair (FAAF), hosted by the Naperville Woman’s Club, returns to historic Naper Settlement on the weekend of June 26-27, 2021. Hours are 10AM to 5PM both Saturday and Sunday.
For more than 60 years, the Naperville Woman’s Club has hosted its signature tradition, a community celebration of the visual arts that has grown, today bringing together more than 100 talented artists, fine crafters and gourmet food vendors for fair goers of all ages.
The two-day art fair has become a significant event for the Naperville Woman’s Club, a philanthropic organization dedicated to promoting community improvement by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service.
“We are again excited to host incredibly talented artists from all across the country,” said Karen Breese, Naperville Woman’s Club FAAF 2021 Chair. “From painting to photography, glasswork to fiber, sculpture to printmaking, patrons will discover the beautiful and inspiring work of our participating artists and find just the ‘right’ piece at their price point.”
Fair goers also will find live music, a participatory community mural, an immersive walk-through scene drawn by 3D Chalk Artist Shaun Hays, a new Petite Picasso area for children activities, a balloon artist and adult beverages.
Naper Settlement, the City’s outdoor history museum, is located at 523 South Webster Street, just steps from downtown Naperville.
Fair will present two fundraisers
Area food pantries will receive proceeds from the sale of affordable ceramic pieces at the “Empty Bowls” booth donated by artists from Clayspace Ceramic Art Studio (Lisle).
Naper Settlement’s Meeting House will be the indoor site of the Club’s Silent Auction with pieces donated by participating artists with monies raised going to the Club for their philanthropic efforts.
Free Admission / Free Parking / Follow local protocols
Admission is free of charge. The two-day event is accessible and includes free close-by parking. Only documented service animals are allowed by City of Naperville ordinance. (In other words, no pets on leashes.)
Efforts to ensure safety for festival goers and artists are in place and include slightly fewer booths to allow for social distancing, organizers said.
“Patrons can expect to see some new artists and features at this year’s Fine Art & Artisan Fair, but we’ve purposely maintained many of the features that make the fair a tradition for many area families,” noted NWC Co-President Julie Cunningham, when she was interviewed by Art Talk columnist Debbie Venezia.
The FAAF 2021 Committee organizers suggest checking the Naperville Woman’s Club and Naper Settlement’s websites in the days prior to the Fair for updated safeguards.
The Naperville Woman’s Club receives City of Naperville funding support through the Special Event and Cultural Amenities (SECA) Program grant. Additional funding is provided through sponsorships and donations.
For more information, call (630) 420-9680 or www.napervillewomansclub.org.
The Naperville Woman’s Club since 1897
Founded in 1897, the Naperville Woman’s Club is dedicated to promoting community improvement by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service. The NWC meets August through June at its clubhouse, The Old Stone Church, 14 S. Washington St., in downtown Naperville.
For more information, clubhouse rentals, and how to join, individuals may contact the NWC at (630) 420-9680 or visit www.napervillewomansclub.org.
Update, June 24, 2021 / Severe Weather Procedures / Take Cover
In the event of severe weather during the art fair (and any event at the outdoor museum village), the following message applies from Naper Settlement.
The areas to take cover in the event of a tornado/warning include the lower levels of Century Memorial Chapel, the Meeting House and the Pre-Emption House. If the crowd of attendees is so large that they cannot be accommodated in these spaces, evacuate to the lower level of the municipal parking garage across Aurora Avenue.
The event can keep running if desired during rain and low-speed winds; however, if inclement weather begins to pose a safety threat to attendees, Naper Settlement will mandate that everyone take shelter/evacuate.
Naper Settlement also will follow the direction/recommendations of the Naperville Police Department Officers onsite. Be safe.
