When the Mundelein Arts Festival launched, organizer Christa Lawrence said she had to learn how to run a festival with no prior experience. Now six years later, the festival has become a marquee event in the community.
The fair, which took place Sept. 10-11, has progressed over the years to include sponsorships from local businesses and scholarships for Mundelein high school students showcasing their art.
“The success we’ve seen says a lot about the community we live in,” Lawrence said. “It’s a lot harder to be an artist now than it was 20 years ago,” she said, noting the importance for art and its recognition.
Lawrence said the event started when the Mundelein Community Connection, an economic development group, was searching for additional events to host in town. She jumped on the opportunity to display hometown art, initially serving as a volunteer while organizing the event.
Lawrence has since become a marketing specialist for the Mundelein Park District and organizes the event as part of her job. As a 20-year resident, she is glad to see other residents take to the fair and increase turnout each year.
Nichole Babiez, a Mundelein High School student, won a scholarship based on her paintings.
“I started to cry when I heard,” she said.
In her second year at the fair, Babiez proudly received her award while her teachers and mother cheered with the crowd.
Babiez said she likes to see what other artists are doing and what they value in their art, which continually draws her to the show.
“These kinds of events broaden my horizons as an artist,” she said.
In addition to a section of student art, the show featured 45 professional artists, live music and local food offerings.
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Mike Bale and Jonathan Price, art teachers at Mundelein High School, support the idea of giving students exposure alongside accomplished artists in a professional setting.
“There aren’t many other venues that allow for students and artists to show art together,” Bale said.
Price said the public response has been great since the school started participating, with patrons often inquiring whether the art is for sale.
Michelle McCune, a painter and part-time veterinarian in Grayslake, displayed portraits of many exotic and endangered animals from around the world. McCune said she was inspired by her time traveling in college.
“My goal is not to create masterpieces, but to make people stop and think,” McCune said. “It feels great when I can motivate somebody or let them know that people can make a difference.”
Tom Ackerman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.