This is a special edition of our Call
for Entries. Listed below are fourteen Chicago area professionally run art fairs by Amdur Productions.
Headed by Amy Amdur, these events exploded on the art fair scene 28 years ago when the Port Clinton Art Festival appeared in the affluent community of Highland Park, Illinois. Since then Amy has continued to produce and organize nationally recognized festivals in high-profile suburbs and popular metro areas.
With the addition of two new festivals, including a Winter Art Festival and the Chicago Botanic Garden Art Festival, and the second year of producing the renowned Gold Coast Art Fair in its new location, Chicago's Grant Park, Amdur continues to make an indelible impact on the arts community by hosting a selection of the most desirable juried art festivals.
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| Amdur Staff |
Amdur's hard work and unparalleled eye, coupled with a strong marketing outreach, have made Chicago a destination for artists and art buyers from the Midwest and around the world.
Take a look at these fourteen events to fill your art fair schedule and your pocketbook!
Visit the website: AmdurProductions.com for full disclosure on each of the events and apply today! Deadline January 5.
Barrington Art Festival
May 28 - 29 
10:00am-5:00pm
Barrington, IL
140 Artists
Amdur Productions proudly kicks off its 28th season with the second annual Barrington Art Festival. Known for its grand mansions and horse farms, the affluent suburb of Barrington boasts a wealthy population with a deep appreciation for the arts. Located 36 miles northwest of Chicago, Barrington has a population of 40,000 and an average household income of $125,000.
Amy says: Wealthy, art-loving area & lots of local support! Nice downtown layout. Memorial Day Weekend (still have your Monday off). Average temperature 70.
Eastside Millennium Art Festival
June 3 - 5
10:00am-5:00pm
Chicago
150 Artists
Located blocks from Chicago's bustling Millennium Park, the Eastside Millennium Art Festival returns to downtown Chicago for its third year. More than 175,000 people visit the area daily whether for work or play at the neighboring Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago Cultural Center or Millennium Park. Show opens Friday to a busy lunch crowd. $25 city permit is required.
Amy says: Just north of Millennium Park, this show boasts a great location in the heart of downtown. Chicagoans and tourists love and patronize this show. Average temperature 71
10:00am-5:00pm
Barrington, IL
140 Artists
Amdur Productions proudly kicks off its 28th season with the second annual Barrington Art Festival. Known for its grand mansions and horse farms, the affluent suburb of Barrington boasts a wealthy population with a deep appreciation for the arts. Located 36 miles northwest of Chicago, Barrington has a population of 40,000 and an average household income of $125,000.
Amy says: Wealthy, art-loving area & lots of local support! Nice downtown layout. Memorial Day Weekend (still have your Monday off). Average temperature 70.
Eastside Millennium Art Festival
June 3 - 5
10:00am-5:00pm
Chicago
150 Artists
Located blocks from Chicago's bustling Millennium Park, the Eastside Millennium Art Festival returns to downtown Chicago for its third year. More than 175,000 people visit the area daily whether for work or play at the neighboring Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago Cultural Center or Millennium Park. Show opens Friday to a busy lunch crowd. $25 city permit is required.
Amy says: Just north of Millennium Park, this show boasts a great location in the heart of downtown. Chicagoans and tourists love and patronize this show. Average temperature 71
10:00am - 5:00pm
Arlington Heights,
Illinois
150 Artists
Arlington Heights is in an affluent community of 77,000 people. The festival takes place in the lively downtown area amid upscale high-rise apartments, the Metropolis Arts Centre, boutiques, cafes and popular restaurants. One artist reports that she had a $150,000 commission come out of this show. This show is easy, safe and fun. All booths are on pavement.
Amy says: A great festival for experienced as well as new artists. Nice festival layout. Traditional themes do particularly well. Average temperature 73.
Arlington Heights,
Illinois
150 Artists
Arlington Heights is in an affluent community of 77,000 people. The festival takes place in the lively downtown area amid upscale high-rise apartments, the Metropolis Arts Centre, boutiques, cafes and popular restaurants. One artist reports that she had a $150,000 commission come out of this show. This show is easy, safe and fun. All booths are on pavement.
Amy says: A great festival for experienced as well as new artists. Nice festival layout. Traditional themes do particularly well. Average temperature 73.
NEW! Chicago Botanic Garden Art Festival
July 1 - 3
10:00am-5:00pm
Glencoe, IL
80 Artists
The Chicago Botanic Garden Art Festival returns after a much missed absence. This exclusive 80 artist festival will be held July 1, 2, and 3 over the holiday weekend. Art of a botanic theme, material or use is encouraged. The Chicago Botanic Garden is located about 1/2 hour north of Chicago and is one of the top 5 visitor attractions annually in the Chicago area. Booths on grass and pavement.
Amy says: An exceptional location which attracts a discerning audience of art lovers. This year marks the return of a beloved tradition we began a decade ago. Average temperature: 74
EARLIER DATE, LONGER DAILY HOURS!
Gold Coast Art Fair
July 9 - 10
9:00am-7:00pm Chicago
400 Artists
The 54th Annual Gold Coast Art Fair returns to Chicago's Grant Park in July!
Heralded as the "granddaddy" of art festivals, this famous event draws artist and visitors from around the world. The Gold Coast Art Fair is the third oldest and one of the best attended festivals in the country! Booths are on grass and pavement. The 2011 show will feature a new, improved layout with wider aisles and longer daily show hours over the two day weekend. Flighted day before load-in makes for a relaxed setup.
Amy says: Grant Park is an incredible venue for this festival. With the lake and Chicago skyline serving as a backdrop, this Chicago venue is amazing. The location serves as a destination for tourists and Chicagoans visiting The Art Institute, Lake Michigan, Buckingham Fountain and more. Average temperature: 75.
Gold Coast Art Fair
July 9 - 10
9:00am-7:00pm Chicago
400 Artists
The 54th Annual Gold Coast Art Fair returns to Chicago's Grant Park in July!
Heralded as the "granddaddy" of art festivals, this famous event draws artist and visitors from around the world. The Gold Coast Art Fair is the third oldest and one of the best attended festivals in the country! Booths are on grass and pavement. The 2011 show will feature a new, improved layout with wider aisles and longer daily show hours over the two day weekend. Flighted day before load-in makes for a relaxed setup.
Amy says: Grant Park is an incredible venue for this festival. With the lake and Chicago skyline serving as a backdrop, this Chicago venue is amazing. The location serves as a destination for tourists and Chicagoans visiting The Art Institute, Lake Michigan, Buckingham Fountain and more. Average temperature: 75.
Buffalo Grove Invitational Fine Art Festival
July 16 - 17
10:00am-5:00pm
Buffalo Grove, IL
160 Artists
The festival is held northwest of Chicago in Buffalo Grove, a community of 44,000 and home to a large Jewish community. The show offers plenty of close artist and patron parking and a history of great sales. A huge community volunteer corps provides booth-sitting and artist assistance with a smile. A $20 Village permit is required. All booths on concrete or pavement.
Amy says: All themes, all price points. Bright, contemporary art does well. The crowd also loves jewelry and wearables. Average temperature: 76
North Shore Festival of Art - Old Orchard
July 23 - 24
10:00am-5:00pm
Skokie, IL
140 Artists
A highly visible location, revamped layout and Friday evening set-up make this Amdur festival a pleasure for artists. Located in the incredibly popular Westfield Old Orchard Shopping Center, this festival boasts a great following of discerning art lovers. The fourth annual event is hosted by the Skokie Chamber of Commerce and Westfield Old Orchard. Last year's attendance exceeded 84,000.
Amy says: Situated in a highly visible location at this popular, upscale, outdoor mall. Judaic art, paintings, jewelry and photography all do well.
10:00am-5:00pm
Skokie, IL
140 Artists
A highly visible location, revamped layout and Friday evening set-up make this Amdur festival a pleasure for artists. Located in the incredibly popular Westfield Old Orchard Shopping Center, this festival boasts a great following of discerning art lovers. The fourth annual event is hosted by the Skokie Chamber of Commerce and Westfield Old Orchard. Last year's attendance exceeded 84,000.
Amy says: Situated in a highly visible location at this popular, upscale, outdoor mall. Judaic art, paintings, jewelry and photography all do well.
Glencoe Festival of Art
July 30 - 31
10:00am-5:00pm
Glencoe, IL
120 Artists
The Glencoe Festival of Art takes place in the prestigious Frank Lloyd Wright influenced community of Glencoe, Illinois, blocks from Lake Michigan in Chicago's famous North Shore area. Held downtown among boutiques and cafés, parking is close and free. The crowd is wealthy, educated and loves art. Fine art and fine craft are featured. All booths are on pavement. Held in cooperation with the Glencoe Chamber of Commerce.
Amy says: Held in an extremely wealthy community near Lake Michigan where the average home price is 1.2 million. With a highly educated crowd of discerning art lovers, all art does well here. Average temperature 75.
Art at the Glen Town Center
August 6 - 7
10:00am-5:00pm
Glenview, IL
200 Artists
Sales rank among the highest at this high quality show. Showgoers flock to this festival which is situated in a master planned community, boasting some of the finest stores in the Midwest. Festival streets are filled from opening to close with thousands of art buyers. All booths are on pavement.
Amy says: Great show, better for experienced artists. Big crowds. All art, all prices do well. Average temperature 75.
August 6 - 7
10:00am-5:00pm
Glenview, IL
200 Artists
Sales rank among the highest at this high quality show. Showgoers flock to this festival which is situated in a master planned community, boasting some of the finest stores in the Midwest. Festival streets are filled from opening to close with thousands of art buyers. All booths are on pavement.
Amy says: Great show, better for experienced artists. Big crowds. All art, all prices do well. Average temperature 75.
Lincolnshire Art Festival
August 13 - 14
10:00am-5:00pm
Lincolnshire, IL
130 Artists
The Lincolnshire Art Festival is situated around a tranquil fountain in an upscale community 30 minutes north of Chicago with plenty of restaurants and hotels in the area. Booths are on grass and pavement. Visitors are from the north and western suburbs. Artists' parking is free and close. The festival features all types of fine art and fine craft. Taking place at a later date in the season, the Lincolnshire Art Festival proudly celebrates its 14th year as a summer institution.
Amy says: All themes, all price points do well. Good for new artists as well as experienced artists. Average temperature 71.
August 13 - 14
10:00am-5:00pm
Lincolnshire, IL
130 Artists
The Lincolnshire Art Festival is situated around a tranquil fountain in an upscale community 30 minutes north of Chicago with plenty of restaurants and hotels in the area. Booths are on grass and pavement. Visitors are from the north and western suburbs. Artists' parking is free and close. The festival features all types of fine art and fine craft. Taking place at a later date in the season, the Lincolnshire Art Festival proudly celebrates its 14th year as a summer institution.
Amy says: All themes, all price points do well. Good for new artists as well as experienced artists. Average temperature 71.
Port Clinton Art Festival
August 27 - 28
10:00am-6:00pm
Highland Park,
Illinois
260 Artists
The Port Clinton Art Festival is a high-selling show located in downtown Highland Park, an upscale community 30 minutes north of Chicago. Those who attend are art savvy and have high disposable income. Only originals are allowed to be displayed in artist's booths. City permit required.
Amy says: Top fine art and fine craft only. Only for experienced artists. Average temperature 72.
Downtown Downers Grove Art Festival
Sept. 10 - 11
10:00am-5:00pm
Downers Grove,
Illinois
125 Artists
A cherished community tradition for the past 35 years, the festival will be directed by Amdur Productions for the second year. Historically a one day show, the festival now spans two days with optional set up for artists on Friday night. All types of art are featured at this festival located in a charming downtown area. All booths are on pavement.
Amy says: This festival has a great following. Art in the mid-price point does particularly well. Average temperature 68.
Sept. 10 - 11
10:00am-5:00pm
Downers Grove,
Illinois
125 Artists
A cherished community tradition for the past 35 years, the festival will be directed by Amdur Productions for the second year. Historically a one day show, the festival now spans two days with optional set up for artists on Friday night. All types of art are featured at this festival located in a charming downtown area. All booths are on pavement.
Amy says: This festival has a great following. Art in the mid-price point does particularly well. Average temperature 68.
Highwood Last Call Art Fair
September 17 - 18
10:00am - 5:00pm
Highwood, IL
120 Artists
The Highwood Last Call Art Fair features great art at great prices. The show gives the public the chance to buy end of the season original art, left over inventory, slightly damaged, bruised and odd pieces at discounted prices. Artists decide how much to discount their work and can use festival stickers to mark work at 10% to 50% off.
Amy says: End of season opportunity for you to sell off inventory at reduced prices. Artists and/or their representatives welcome. Average temperature 63.
September 17 - 18
10:00am - 5:00pm
Highwood, IL
120 Artists
The Highwood Last Call Art Fair features great art at great prices. The show gives the public the chance to buy end of the season original art, left over inventory, slightly damaged, bruised and odd pieces at discounted prices. Artists decide how much to discount their work and can use festival stickers to mark work at 10% to 50% off.
Amy says: End of season opportunity for you to sell off inventory at reduced prices. Artists and/or their representatives welcome. Average temperature 63.
Winter Art Festival - NEW!
December 3 - 4
Friday noon-7pm Sat. and Sun.:
10am -5pm
Highland Park, IL
50 Artists
In response to artist demand Amdur Productions launches a new Winter Art Festival, an indoor art and fine craft show in Highland Park, IL. This show will be a small boutique show featuring about 50 artists during a preholiday weekend. All types of art will be featured with special emphasis on holiday fine art and fine craft gifts.
Amy says: Artists have been asking for a Winter Art Festival for years. Jewelry, fine art and fine craft gift items are expected to do exceptionally well. Offers artists the opportunity to return to a strong art market and a chance to reconnect with clients from the summer.
December 3 - 4
Friday noon-7pm Sat. and Sun.:
10am -5pm
Highland Park, IL
50 Artists
In response to artist demand Amdur Productions launches a new Winter Art Festival, an indoor art and fine craft show in Highland Park, IL. This show will be a small boutique show featuring about 50 artists during a preholiday weekend. All types of art will be featured with special emphasis on holiday fine art and fine craft gifts.
Amy says: Artists have been asking for a Winter Art Festival for years. Jewelry, fine art and fine craft gift items are expected to do exceptionally well. Offers artists the opportunity to return to a strong art market and a chance to reconnect with clients from the summer.
WHAT TO DO NEXT:
Visit the website: www.amdurproductions.com for more information on each of the events and apply today!
Deadline: January 5
If you have any questions on the jury process, our festivals, or related topics, please contact the office at 847-926-4300 or email info@amdurproductions.com. Lennette, Rose, Lora and Amy are ready to take your calls Monday through Friday between 9 am and 5 pm central time.
Deadline: January 5
If you have any questions on the jury process, our festivals, or related topics, please contact the office at 847-926-4300 or email info@amdurproductions.com. Lennette, Rose, Lora and Amy are ready to take your calls Monday through Friday between 9 am and 5 pm central time.
Comments
I have to agree with Cappi. Maybe those are nighttime temperatures!!! Poor Lincolnshire, it keeps getting moved around. Amy's advertising is so good that people keep finding the festival regardless of the weekend.
Isn't the winter show the same weekend as One Of A Kind? That is a steep booth fee for a first time festival that will be outside even if it is tented in early December.