In case you haven't noticed, Chicagoland residents love their art fairs, there are many affluent neighborhoods and a special art fair for most of them. For years my partner and I did back-to-back weekend drives to Chicago to sell our art. Enthusiastic and appreciative audiences always appeared to greet us. Today's edition lists
five Chicago area professionally run art fairs by
Erin Melloy of EM Events. As opposed to most promoter run events, Erin does not own the events herself, but rather contracts with community groups to produce the events. She is a promoter "for hire", which translates into an organizer who needs to meet the needs of each organization as well as the artists who participate in the art fairs, giving her a double dose of accountability. Erin Melloy is currently in her 14th year of producing high quality outdoor art festivals in the Chicago area.
EM Events holds to the belief that art counts and nothing but the best will do. Connect with beginning, casual and avid collectors at any of the wonderful outdoor events, located throughout the region. Smaller intimate art fairs such as these enable you to stand out and connect with the audience. Developing these relationships are the foundation of a successful art fair life.
May 16 & 17Riverside Arts Fair Riverside 65 artists The
Riverside Fine Arts Fair has quickly become a community highlight. It compliments and confirms the appreciation for high quality design and materials that Riverside residents and our neighbors find in its quaint community. $1,100.00 in prize money. Hosted by the Economic Development Commission, supported by the Village of Riverside and the Riverside Chamber of Commerce, the festival is held in the central business district of historic Riverside. Riverside is a near western suburb where 50% of the population 25 years and older have a Bachelor's Degree or higher.
Click here for its location.
July 11 & 12Orland Park Arts Fair Orland Park 65 artists Celebrating its sixth year, the
Village of Orland Park Art Fair has become a summer tradition showcasing the amazing talents of local artisans as well as those from across the country. Orland Park is ranked #45 on Money Magazine's Top 100 best places to live and scored highest in Arts and Leisure. $8,000.00 in prize money. The annual Art Fair is hosted by the Village of Orland Park Arts Commission, whose mission is to bring cultural and artistic events to the community. The event is held at the Orland Park Crossing shopping center at 143rd Street and LaGrange Road.
June 20 & 22 Prairie State Art Fair Arlington Park 25 artists Located at the prestigious Arlington Park Race Track this second year event will feature 25 juried ILLINOIS artists who wish to join us and showcase their talents to over 16,000 patrons at the park that weekend. Prints will be allowed at this event. In the spirit of racing, all 25 artists will be in the running for $5,000 in prize money.
July 25 & 26 Geneva Arts Fair Geneva 145 artists Geneva, a chic and charming historic town located on the Fox River, will celebrate its eighth Annual Fine Arts Fair in 2009. Its prestigious reputation of offering a superb selection of fine art by renowned artists and cutting-edge newcomers attracts beginning and avid collectors. In 2008, West Suburban Living magazine's 11th Annual "best of the west" named the
Geneva Arts Fair as Best Craft or Art Show. Presented by the Chamber of Commerce the show is tucked along shady streets among 100+ specialty shops located in Victorian style homes and century-old buildings. A "hands on" kids art area, awards for emerging and seasoned artists along with warm small town hospitality, offer a picture-postcard setting for this juried art celebration. $8,000.00 in prize money. For more info:
www.genevachamber.com/artfair.htmlAugust 8 & 9 Art in Your Eye Batavia 75 artists The
Art In Your Eye Festival seeks award-winning artists for its fifth annual fine art festival at the beautiful Riverwalk on the Fox in downtown Batavia. Sponsored by the City of Batavia, the festival is a collaborative effort with other key organizations and reflects the spirit of Batavia's artistic and art-supporting community. Art In Your Eye includes additional pre-festival activities focusing on art education, hands-on art experiences, and arts appreciation. The culminating two-day event at the Riverwalk includes the centerpiece outdoor fine art show, children's art activities, continuous musical entertainment, an indoor exhibit featuring local artists, food, and free guarded bike parking to attract the hundreds of cyclists traveling the adjacent Fox River trails. $14,000.00 in prize money. For more info on this event visit:
www.artinyoureye.com There is a common application for these events. Download the application at: www.emevents.com Images must be submitted by
February 1st for the current listed events. Application and jury fees are due by
February 1st. Please note: there will also be having an additional jury with images due March 1st for other events being held later in the year. For a full listing of all EM events, jury fees, booth fees, attendance, amenities, due dates, rules, etc., and/or to download an application please visit:
www.emevents.com Contact Erin Melloy at:
Erin@emevents.com
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