For years Highwood has welcomed the Last Call Art Fair, a festival offering end of summer deals on various art pieces before the weather turns cold.
Last weekend, organizers debuted a few new tweaks. Renamed the Starving Artists Show, the fair has been moved from nearby Everts Park to Waukegan Avenue. Organizers from Amdur Productions said the new location has allowed for more open space and easier access for those with disabilities.
“We never have a cookie cutter approach to the fairs,” said Amy Amdur, president of Amdur Productions. “This year people can just drive right up.”
The fair included over 100 juried artists from the area. True to its tradition, the event gave artists and art lovers the chance for a final seasonal goodbye to outdoor fairs, and with extensive discounts. Many of the pieces were marked at 40 to 50 percent off, leaving a great amount of art to be had for under $100.
“Instead of going to Target, people are getting the experience of talking to an artist about a piece when they buy it,” Amdur said.
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Artists found their own reasons to be cheerful about the opportunity.
“This is a great way to bring art to the people,” said Daniel James Johnson, an oil-based painter. “I never want to force an art piece on somebody. It’s something you’ve got to love.”
He said he also appreciated how lowering cost can affect people who do not normally purchase art.
“It’s not all about the monetary value,” Johnson said. “I’d rather have someone appreciate the art than have a show be in an exotic gallery.”
Joy Bauer also uses oil paints, but focuses on a French Realism approach. Much of her art features Chicago scenes, rural America and scenes from Europe, where she has traveled for her day job.
Bauer said she hopes to see the show continue because it allows people to explore more diverse works and connect more personally than they do in galleries.
“They get a deal and I’ll move a piece,” she said.
The art was featured along a single strip on Waukegan Avenue that covered the length of the downtown. Several events were catered toward children, including a chalk wall and a scarf making station.
Ross and Jenika Gettleman recently moved to Highwood but have gone to similar art shows in the area. They agreed that in local art shows, variety is often something they hope to find.
“We’re really looking for something we haven’t seen before,” Ross said.
Tom Ackerman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.