Showcasing a wide variety of disciplines and styles, the Glenview Art League hosted the 65th annual Outdoor Summer Art Fair on the grounds of Lyon School July 28-29.
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The two-day event showcased the work of more than 75 local and national artists. The fair was staffed by artists from the league’s membership base of volunteers, representing creators from across the North Shore.
Sandy Sheagren, Glenview Art League president and fair co-chair, said the group takes pride in presenting an old-fashioned art fair without commercial vendors. Artists presenting work showcased disciplines like plein air painting, batique, photography, jewelry making, sculpture and textiles, to name just a few.
“We really have such varied work selected and about 20 new artists this year,” Sheagren said. “We aim to offer fresh perspectives and works that people haven’t seen before.”
This year especially the Glenview Art League aimed to present works across disciplines. Live performances came from musicians from the Glenview Rock House, actors from Oil Lamp Theater, dancers from Arthur Murray Glenview and the Trifecta Dance Collective. International artists like Henna artist Jaimini Patel and members of the Shen Yun Performing Arts Orchestra also attended.
Ted Agne of North Riverside attended the fair with friends and said he came originally to hear Glenview singer/songwriter Sara Stocking on the Glenview Rock House stage.
“It’s a great way to relax on a beautiful day, listening to music and visiting the artists’ tents,” Agne said. “It’s my first time at the fair and it’s a fun way to see all the artists have to offer.”
Glenview Artist Deb Anderson has been participating in the art fair for many years and said that she likes sharing her work with the Glenview community.
“It makes sense for me when so much of my work is created plein air — at the lake in the Glen, or in the Grove, or even sometimes at the side of a road, this community is my home so it’s important for me to share the work in the place where it was created,” she said.
The event represents the Art League’s largest annual fundraiser and organizers say income derived from booth rental and entry fees keeps the organization going throughout the year. The funds support such activities as free class demos and exhibition programs for local artists.
A silent auction nooth offered attendees an opportunity to bid on artwork, merchandise and gift certificates, with all proceeds going to fund the GAL Youth Art Fair in February. The event that last year boasted 300 youth participants and a successful scholarship program.
“The Glenview’s Own tent provided members who were not in the show to exhibit one piece of art,” Sheagren said. “This tent was also judged for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes separately from all the other artists.”
Fair-wide artists were judged and awarded prizes for Best of Show, Awards of Excellence, Awards of Merit and a People’s Choice Award.”
“As an artist myself, I think the main difference between this fair and others is that while we rely on volunteer efforts as many do, our fair is staffed by artists, artists helping other artists, artists giving support to each other, which gives a whole different feel to being here,” Sheagren said.
