Time to rethink that old mindset that defines art galleries as indoor spaces. While many of us take art festivals for granted, simply returning year after year because they have become outing destinations, organizers of many Chicago-area art fairs and the artists juried (chosen by a panel) into them have been raising their game a notch. Juried art fairs, where artists are picked from hundreds of applicants–typically by art historians, teachers, gallery owners and other artists–have become increasingly selective, and artists’ booths reflect that change.
That wandering through artists’ booths has become akin to browsing a fine gallery is deliberate, according to Amy Amdur, president and founder of Lincolnshire-based Amdur Productions, producer of 10 Chicago-area art fairs.
“The biggest trend in juried art fairs is the change of presentation,” she said.
“In the 20 years I’ve been running art fairs I’ve seen exhibitors become much more sophisticated in how they present their art to the public,” said Amdur. “I remember [when art fairs generally displayed art on peg board and] we said: Bring your own hook. No one, or almost no one, does pegboard anymore.”
Gazing at the urban landscapes of Sleepy Hollow painter Kathleen Eaton, it is easy to picture them hanging in a fine art gallery. They hang, instead, on the “walls” of her mini-galleries: her booths at the 57th Street Art Fair in Hyde Park this weekend, or the Old Town Art Fair next weekend.
“Artists try to make their booths look as much like a gallery setting as possible,” Eaton said. She makes the walls from doors, painted a dark gold tone.
Eaton, whose paintings range from $800 to $6,000 and hang in private and public collections, said: “Some shows ask for better looking displays, but artists should do that anyway.”
Artists who want to exhibit in an Amdur fair, such as the Port Clinton Art Festival, which takes place in downtown Highland Park Aug. 28-29 (with about 1,400 applicants for 260 exhibitor spaces) have to include a booth shot with slides of their work. “We want to see what their booths look like before they come,” she said. Applicants also submit artists’ statements, which show the artist at work and how the art was made; this protects the public from vendors who sell work that isn’t their own.
According to some fair organizers and artists, increasing sophistication at art fairs benefit high-end artists who have traditionally been represented in galleries.
Although the bronze sculptures of Lincolnshire artist Jim Budish, a recent transplant from Colorado, can be found at Chicago’s Hilligoss Galleries and 22 other galleries, he also likes to exhibit at upscale art fairs.
“A few galleries objected at first when I did shows nearby, but now they understand that a good [sophisticated] art show can enhance the artist and support sales,” Budish said.
Besides, he enjoys art fairs. “I think it’s great for me and for all artists to get out where there are people,” he said.
His pieces can weigh up to 700 pounds, so the physical aspects of fairs can be difficult. “Set-ups are grueling and you show in every kind of weather: rain, even tornadoes,” he said. “It’s tough, but there is nothing more rewarding than someone who walks into the booth, looks at the art, then breaks into tears or smiles. You don’t get that from gallery sales. It makes all the crummy set-ups worth while.”
The trend toward the “gallery look” and, lately, a museum-style sculpture garden atmosphere is recognized in art fair notices such as the Web site for The Magnificent Mile Art Festival, July 9-11, which reads: “Pioneer Court will be transformed into an outdoor art gallery featuring the work of artists from across the nation.”
“People in Chicago, including the kids, have an incredible art knowledge and appreciation,” said Howard Alan, whose Orlando-based Howard Alan Events puts on that show as well as the Old Orchard North Shore Festival the following weekend.
Chicago is a good high-end art show market, according to Greg Lawler, editor and publisher of the Portland, Ore.-based Art Fair SourceBook, used by many artists, along with monthly Orlando-based Sunshine Artist Magazine, for finding art fair data such as sales, attendance, application dates and fees. “Chicago has the most concentrated top shows in the country for one urban area,” Lawler said. “New York probably has more good craft shows, but Chicago has the bulk of good art shows.”
To Lawler as well as art fair artists, sales determine “top” or “good” show rankings. Several Chicago fairs make it to his top 100 list, including Port Clinton, Old Town, 57th Street and Naperville’s Riverwalk Fine Art Fair in mid-September.
According to Lawler’s figures, about 500 artists apply for the Naperville show, even though it allows just 145 exhibitors; there are 1,400 applicants for Port Clinton’s 260 spaces and about 600 people apply to Old Town, which has 250 spots.
That kind of competition means more incentive for artists to upgrade their displays.
“Art fairs are more professional now because they are more competitive now,” said Lake Villa painter Stuart Slavik. An artist whose renderings of candy cascading out of a bag or fruit spilling from a bushel basket and other similarly dimensional works are regularly featured at shows including Port Clinton, Slavik started in galleries out of art school 58 years ago but switched to art shows and commission work to increase sales. His art show prices range from $185 to $2,500.
“When I started doing art fairs, you could count the number here and in Florida on two hands. But there were also fewer artists do them so it was easy to get in shows,” he said. “Now, there are a lot more art fairs [10,000 by some estimates] but there are many more artists.
“Right now is the golden age for artists. More artists are making a living than any other time in history. I think outdoor art shows are mainly responsible for that.”
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ART FAIRS
Go to metromix.com/listings to submit listings.
25TH FOUNTAIN SQUARE ART FESTIVAL EVANSTON: Annual fair takes place on six downtown blocks and features 280 juried artists in a variety of media. Food vendors, a sculpture garden, live music and more. Festival-goers are invited to bring in anything silver to contribute to what’s billed as “The World’s Largest Community Recyclable Silver Sculpture.” Fountain Square, Sherman Avenue and Church Street, Evanston. Free; June 26-27. 847-444-9600.
30TH OAK PARK AVENUE-LAKE ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW: More than 120 national artists display works and demonstrate techniques in paint, sculpture, photography, jewelry, floral crafts and more. Scoville Park, Oak Park Avenue and Lake Street, Oak Park. Free; Aug. 20-21. 312-751-2500.
44TH ARTS EXPERIENCE: Artists display works and demonstrate techniques in paint, sculpture, graphics, jewelry, photography and more. Plaza of the Americas, 420 N. Michigan Ave. Free; June 17-18. 312-751-2500.
45TH ARTS EXPERIENCE: Artists display works in paint, sculpture, glass, portrait sketching, jewelry and more. They may also demonstrate their techniques to interested visitors. Plaza of the Americas, 420 N. Michigan Ave. Free; Aug. 27-29. 312-751-2500.
51ST ANNUAL GLENVIEW OUTDOOR ART FAIR: A juried art fair features original works for purchase, food vendors, a silent auction and live entertainment. Lyon School grounds, Lake Avenue and Waukegan Road, Glenview. Free; July 24-25. 847-724-4007.
57TH STREET ART FAIR: More than 300 artists showcase paintings, sculpture, photography, ceramics and more at the 57th annual fair, one of the oldest and largest in Illinois. 5700 S. Kimbark Ave. Free; Sat.-Sun. 773-493-3247.
ARTS ADVENTURE: Artists display works and demonstrate techniques in paint, sculpture, photography, graphics, jewelry, wall hangings and more. Superior and State Streets. Free; July 25. 312-751-2500.
ARTS & CRAFTS EXPRESSIONS: Artists display works and demonstrate techniques in paint, graphics, photography, jewelry, doll sculpture and more. Canal and Madison Streets. Free; July 22-23. 312-751-2500.
BEVERLY ARTS FAIR: Fine arts and crafts, food, activities for kids and live music. Beverly Arts Center of Chicago, 2407 W. 111th St. Free; June 19-20. 773-868-3010.
BUCKTOWN ARTS FEST: The 19th annual festival of performance, spoken and visual art. Browse paintings, sculpture, jewelry and photography. See music, theater, dance and poetry performed. Senior Citizens Park, 2300 N. Oakley Ave. Free; Aug. 28-29. 312-409-8305.
CANTIGNY SCULPTURE AND FINE ART FESTIVAL: Set in Cantigny Park, this annual fair features 180 juried artists in a variety of media, a sculpture garden, food vendors and live music. 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. Free; June 19-20. 847-444-9600.
CHICAGO ANTIQUE MARKET: Browse nearly 200 stalls along Randolph Street from Ogden Avenue to Ada Street. Dealers also located inside Hoops, 1380 W. Randolph St. Admission to an early buying preview at 8 a.m. is $35. Randolph Street and Ogden Avenue. $8; free for kids ages 12 and under; Through Oct. 31. 312-951-9939.
CHICAGO TRIBUNE MAGNIFICENT MILE ART FESTIVAL: Features more than 200 award-winning painters, sculptors, potters, jewelry-makers and photographers. Live music performances daily. Chicago Tribune Pioneer Court, 435 N. Michigan Avenue. Free; July 9-11. 815-937-0920.
COMMUNITY ART FAIR: Showcases work by artists from Chicago’s South Side, including pottery, glass, paintings, clothing, jewelry, leather and more. The fair runs concurrently with the 57th Street Art Fair. Bixler Park, 57th Street and Kenwood Avenue, 5651 S. Kenwood Ave. Free; Sat.-Sun. 773-363-8282.
CUSTER’S LAST STAND FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS: Browse arts, crafts and antiques. Also features food, live music and a Native American powwow. Chicago Avenue and Main Street, Evanston. $1 donation benefits South Evanston’s Cultural Center; June 19-20. 847-328-2204.
ETHNIC ARTS FESTIVAL: Representing more than 80 cultures, 125 national and regional juried artists showcase a variety of media. Also features dancing and music, ethnic food vendors, a spoken word tent, family art activities and workshops. A Parade of Nations kicks off festivities at noon on Saturday. Dawes Park, Sheridan Road and Church Street, Evanston. Free; July 17-18. 847-448-8058.
EVANSTON LAKESHORE ARTS FESTIVAL: Features 125 artists, an art auction, food and entertainment. Dawes Park, Sheridan Road and Church Street, Evanston. Free; Aug. 7-8. 847-448-8260.
GOLD COAST ART FAIR: The 47th annual event is one of the city’s largest fairs, featuring more than 400 exhibitors in arts and crafts. Live music, food, street performers and craft area for children. River North, LaSalle Boulevard and Huron Street. Free; Aug. 6-8. 847-444-9600.
HINSDALE’S 31ST ANNUAL FINE ARTS FESTIVAL: More than 140 juried artists. Also includes musical entertainment, kids’ activities, food tents, beer and wine. Burlington Park, Chicago and Garfield Avenues, Hinsdale. Free; June 19-20. 630-323-3952.
HYDE PARK–UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO ARTS FEST: Features art exhibitions, performances and hands-on activities–including ballet and modern dance, poetry reading, live music and storytelling–at more than 30 Hyde Park cultural institutions. David and Alfred Smart Museum of Art, 5550 S. Greenwood Ave.free-$9. Free trolley between venues. For more info, go to: artsfest.uchicago.edu; Sat.-Sun.
INVITATIONAL FINE ART FESTIVAL: Annual showcase of 135 juried artists in a variety of media. Includes a sculpture garden, food vendors and live music. Buffalo Grove Towne Center, McHenry (Illinois Highway 83) and Lake Cook Roads, Buffalo Grove. Free; July 17-18. 847-444-9600.
LINCOLNSHIRE ART FESTIVAL: Seventh annual fair features 180 juried artists showcasing a variety of media. Also includes a sculpture garden, live music and food vendors. Village Green, Olde Half Day Road and N. Milwaukee Avenue, Lincolnshire. Free; July 3-4. 847-444-9600.
NORTH SHORE ART FESTIVAL: Features 275 national and international award-winning artists, an international food fest and live music. Parking lot of Westfield Shoppingtown Old Orchard, 34 Old Orchard Center, Skokie. Free; July 17-18. 847-673-0240.
OLD TOWN ART FAIR: The country’s oldest juried outdoor art fair features 250 invited artists. Old Town Triangle Park, 1850 N. Lincoln Park West bordered by Lincoln Park West, Wisconsin, Orleans and Menomonee Streets. $5 donation benefits the Old Town Triangle Association; June 12-13. 312-337-1938.
WILMETTE FESTIVAL OF FINE ARTS: More than 100 exhibitors show fine arts and crafts. Live music, food vendors and a children’s art table. Wilmette Park District’s Community Recreation Center, 3000 Glenview Rd., Wilmette. Free; July 17-18. 847-256-2080.
