Art Fair on the Square has been part of the summer landscape in Lake Forest for the past 63 years, bringing artists and their creations to the historic Market Square.
This year the Deer Path Art League’sshow received over 400 applications and relied on a panel of three jurors to make the final selections in a blind judging process. Ultimately, 180 artists were showcased over the two-day festival Sept. 3-4.
The festival also featured booths highlighting young artists and community arts organizations. Musical performances and food vendors were also part of the event.
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Organizers say Art Fair on the Square is the Deer Path Art League’s signature annual event and one that they consider to be their gift to the community.
Jillian Chapman of Libertyville and Pamela Payton of Lake Bluff have worked in tandem as co-chairs of the event for the past five years, according to Payton.
The event helps to fulfill the Art League’s mission established in 1954, “to spark, nurture and enhance creativity as well as raise community awareness and appreciation of the arts.”
Chapman grew up in Lake Forest and recalls her own family tradition of attending the fair with her mother every year.
“We never missed the art fair,” Chapman said, “And since my mother’s passing in 2014, it’s special for me to help organize an event that has become so much a part of the community spirit here in Lake Forest.”
Gina Grillo is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.