By Amy Amdur, Amdur Productions, Inc.
Art Fests are back and they can’t start soon enough! Highland Park based Amdur Productions, known far and wide for it’s juried art events, will be presenting 20 festivals this season! From favorites like the Port Clinton Art Festival in Highland Park and Art At The Glen in Glenview, to new festivals like Northbrook Art in the Park and the Burr Ridge Art Fair, there is a perfect fest for everyone. Looking to get out of town? Plan a day of it to the Third Ward Art Festival in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward neighborhood, or the Whitefish Bay Art Fest held just north of Milwaukee, both just a one hour drive from Highland Park.
Artists have been busy creating art and are excited to show and sell their work this summer. After a long, dark winter, people are looking forward to getting out in the sun and taking in the colors, creativity and experiences afforded at outdoor art festivals. Amdur is so pleased to bring artists and art lovers this opportunity.
Have kids or grandkids? Bring them along! Art festivals are a great family outing. School age kids can pick an animal or object and search for it in art throughout the festival. Teens can be given a budget to find a piece of art to buy. Art fests are a wonderful multi-generational experience, and many are “wheel friendly” for strollers and wheel chairs.
Artists need your support now more than ever. Love the art? Buy the art! Whether it is a small or large piece, your purchases make a difference to the artists. No wall space for more art? Think functional art like tables, ceramics, glassware. Feeling in need of pampering? Beautiful handmade jewelry is always a perfect choice. Looking for gifts? Original art or wearables are a unique way to show you care.
“In producing a small group of Art Walks last summer, we learned how to safely host outdoor festivals in the COVID era.” said Amy Amdur of Amdur Productions, Inc. “We will be using that information as a base to everything we do this year. We are excited to bring safe, outdoor events back to the public! Hand sanitizer stations, required mask wearing, social distancing and increased booth spacing will all be part of our comprehensive safety plan. Additionally, we will ask that just one family or friend group be in a booth at a time,” added Amdur.
EventBrite.com, an online reservations system, will allow the public to book a specific entry time for their festival experience. This reservation system will spread attendees more evenly throughout the festival weekend. Most reservations are free.
Highland Park based artist/photographer Mark Hersch said “ I’m looking forward to getting back out to the shows, and setting up my booth and art at the art shows this summer. I love the feedback from the public, and the opportunity to talk in depth about my art with people, too!” Hersch adds that he has a lot of new work that he will be showing this summer.
This summer’s festivals will focus on the artists and the art they create. Festival extras will be put on hold in what Amdur describes as a “bridge year.” This means art is front and center, while live music and kids art activities will wait until next year. As most of Amdur’s festivals take place in downtown areas, food and beverage options will fall to the local brick and mortar eateries and cafes that so desperately need support. Brunch followed by a festival walk, or a festival visit followed by a meal or a drink are great ways to enjoy it all.
Art with HeART
The public is invited to bring their gently used wall art to the fest and donate it to The Chicago Furniture Bank, a non-profit making a difference by distributing art and furnishings to those leaving shelters and moving into permanent housing.
Bring art donations to the Chicago Furniture Bank booth, Saturday 10am-3pm at most festivals.
Shop Now Option Just Added
While many are ready to get outside and experience the art fests in person, Amdur realizes that some people may prefer to see the art from their homes this summer. A new “Shop Now” feature is available at AmdurProductions.com which gives the user the ability to browse and buy art online from hundreds of festival artists in all media and price points.
Sneak Peak!
All festivals feature original, juried art and the creating artists. Paintings, photography, 2D art, functional art, sculptures, jewelry, wearable art and mixed media art and more will be available to enjoy and buy at all festivals.
Save the Dates for These Suburban Shows!
Northbrook Art in the Park, May 22 – 23
Amdur takes the reins of this free entry festvial, which takes place under beautiful oak trees in Northbrook’s Village Green Park. Juried artists from across the country will be showcasing their original work in a variety of different mediums including painting, photography, ceramics, glass, jewelry, and wood. Timed reservations are encouraged at EventBrite.com
Barrington Art Festival , May 29-30
Free and open to the public, the Barrington Art Festival will showcase the work of more than 110 juried artists from around the country in a variety of mediums, including ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, painting, sculpture and more. Local favorite restaurants McGonigal’s and Big Iron Horse will be on site hosting a Bar and Grill Garden adding to a great weekend in Barrington! Timed reservations are encouraged at EventBrite.com
Lincolnshire Art Festival, June 5-6
This festival hosts over 80 juried artists from around the country in the Village Green of Lincolnshire and offers extraordinary fine art and fine craft in a variety of mediums and price points. Take in the tranquility of Lincolnshire with a wonderful weekend that combines the fun of art with the art of fun. Great al fresco dining and drinking on site. Free timed reservations are encouraged at EventBrite.com
Wheaton Art Walk, June 12-13
This fest takes place on the beautiful, tree-lined streets of downtown Wheaton. The Wheaton Art Walk showcases the work of 100 juried artists from around the country in a variety of mediums, including ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, painting, sculpture and more. Great al fresco dining choices abound in downtown Wheaton. Free timed reservations are encouraged at EventBrite.com
Burr Ridge Art Fair, June 19-20 NEW FEST
Launching this summer at the Burr Ridge Village Center, art aficionados and leisurely shoppers alike will find unique pieces spanning a wide variety of art mediums including paintings, flat arts, jewelry, furniture, ceramics, wearables, fashion, accessories, 3D art pieces, sculptures and more. Artisans and makers will be showing and selling items from art to food, clothing to lotions, stationary to furniture, and candles to home decor. Easy parking, this is a handicap accessible event. Free timed reservations are encouraged at EventBrite.com
Deer Park Art Show, June 26-27
This show features fine art and fine craft for sale over a mid-summer weekend in Deer Park, 37 miles north and west of Chicago. Deer Park Center is an elegant lifestyle center with great stores and restaurants. Easy parking. Free timed reservations are encouraged at EventBrite.com
Glencoe Festival of Art, July 24-25
Almost 100 juried artists from across the country will be showcasing their work in a variety of different mediums including painting, photography, ceramics, glass, jewelry, and wood. Nestled amongst upscale cafes, shops, galleries, and boutiques, Visiting the Glencoe Festival of Art is the perfect way to round out a weekend! The festival is located in downtown Glencoe at the intersection of Vernon and Park Avenue. Get your exercise in by riding bicycles to the fest on the Green Bay Trail. Free timed reservations are encouraged at EventBrite.com
Art at the Glen, July 31-August 1
For the 18th year in a row, the Glen Town Center is pleased to host Art at the Glen, a weekend-long art festival featuring the work of over 140 juried artists from across the country. A new emerging artists section shows off up and coming artists too. Artists will be displaying one-of-a-kind pieces in a variety of mediums including painting, photography, ceramics, furniture, and jewelry. Best of all, the show admission and parking are both FREE for all attendees! Restaurants and al fresco dining options abound. Handicap accessible. Timed reservations are encouraged at EventBrite.com
Evanston Art and Big Fork Fest, August 13-15
This annual event presents diverse work from over 130 juried artists from around the country. Unique art pieces will be available for purchase throughout the weekend at a variety of price points. Emerging break out artists are also featured. Perfect for experienced collectors or those looking for something special for their home, traditional mediums such as painting, sculpture, and photography will be showcased alongside unique, usable art, including handmade jewelry, one-of-a-kind furniture, and home accessories. Lots of dining options. Free timed reservations are encouraged at EventBrite.com
Port Clinton Art Festival, August 28-29
Celebrating its 38th anniversary, the Port Clinton Art Festival in Highland Park is one of the country’s top festivals and offers fine art from more than 250 of the country’s top artists. This is a must see show for every art lover. From major acquisitions to smaller gems, the Port Clinton Art Festival offers it all. A new emerging artist section will be included this year. Enjoy the festival, and enjoy the restaurants and stores of downtown Highland Park. Timed reservations are encouraged at EventBrite.com, entry fee applies.
Chicago Shows for a City Experience
Millennium Art Festival, July 16-18
Popping up for a three-day weekend, top-ranked art and design show Millennium Art Festival brings the art of happiness to the heart of downtown Chicago on Lake Street at Michigan Avenue. Millennium Art Festival embodies Amdur Productions’ dedication to crafting an experience of art exploration. An array of artwork, including paintings, ceramics, photography, and furniture, showcases the talents of more than 110 juried artists who participate in this city-centric festival. Free timed reservations are encouraged at EventBrite.com
Printer’s Row Art Fest, August 7-8
This festival showcases the beauty, creativity and culture of the area with a great view of the old Dearborn Station. Held on Dearborn Street from Polk to Harrison, the Printer’s Row Art Fest will be a buying opportunity for art lovers of all ages. Great al fresco cafes on the street! Free timed reservations are encouraged at EventBrite.com
Gold Coast Art Fair, August 21-22
The annual Gold Coast Art Fair returns to Chicago’s Grant Park in Butler Field for its 63rd year. The award-winning Art Fair welcomes 150 juried artists from across the country to create an exceptional, shoppable weekend experience in Chicago. Festival attendees will find beautiful artwork in all mediums and at all price points. Tickets for the Gold Coast Art Fair are $10 per person. Timed reservations are encouraged at EventBrite.com
Artfest Michigan Avenue, September 18-19
Amdur Productions is excited to announce the return of one of its most popular events to the Magnificent Mile! For the fifth year, Artfest Michigan Avenue will be held in downtown Chicago at the base of the iconic Chicago Tribune Building. Free timed reservations are encouraged at EventBrite.com
Day Trips
Third Ward Art Festival, Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward, September 4-5
Free and open to the public, the Third Ward Art Festival will showcase the work of more than 140 juried artists in a variety of mediums, including ceramics, fiber, glass jewelry, sculpture, mixed media, paintings, drawings, photography, printmaking, wood and furniture. In addition to the incredible artwork available for purchase. Great al fresco dining options in this historic area. Free timed reservations are encouraged at EventBrite.com
Whitefish Bay Art Fest, July 10-11
Hosted by the Merchants of Whitefish Bay, the festival is held on the closed streets of the bustling downtown district on Silver Spring Drive. Original artworks are available as artist booths stretch down a beautiful tree-lined intersection near a multitude of popular cafes, boutiques, and salons. Free timed reservations are encouraged at EventBrite.com
For more information about these and other Amdur Productions art festivals, please visit www.AmdurProductions.com.