The annual art festival held by the Vogt Visual Arts Center in Tinley Park has always been one of the most popular events for the venue. But this year, the event will be a bit sweeter — or perhaps more savory, depending on your appetite — with the addition of food trucks to the mix.
“This will be the first year that we’ve invited food trucks to the event,” said Erin Cortilet, recreation supervisor at the Tinley Park-Park District. “We thought it would add an element to the festival and give people another reason to come out and see what we’ve got happening.”
The newly named Food Truck and Art Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 11, and it will include live music, vendor booths, art exhibits, and a chance to explore the inside of the Vogt Visual Arts Center’s newest exhibit, “Sunrise, Sunset,” which runs through the entire month of June.
“For a lot of people, this is the way that they first go inside the center,” said Gallery Director Julie Dekker. “They may have walked by it a hundred times, but they actually come inside and see what we have on display.”
The festival also serves as a reception for the artists who created the artwork in the current “Sunrise, Sunset” exhibit.
“We have a reception for the artists with every show, to celebrate their work and give people a chance to meet them,” Dekker said. “We combined that with the festival to reach an even broader audience.”
While most of the shows at the Vogt Visual Arts Center focus on either a single or small group of artists, “Sunrise, Sunset” is the result of an open call for artwork put out by Dekker.
“We don’t do a lot of these open shows, but I really enjoy it when we do one,” Dekker said. “It’s a way to discover new artists and give everyone in the community a chance to be a part of the show.”
Dekker came up with the theme but left it up to the artists to interpret the concept of “Sunrise, Sunset” however they see fit.
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“It’s up to them to decide what that means,” she said. “Which gives us an eclectic show.”
The Food Truck and Arts Festival also serves as a way for people to see and buy artwork from other local vendors in various mediums. You’ll find a kids craft area to entertain the little ones, and demonstrations will be held to highlight the artistic programs that the park district offers year-round.
“We have a number of art classes, and you can see what people have done or watch a demonstration of them working on a project,” Cortilet said. “If art interests you at all, you can find classes and instructors who can help you pursue it.”
Performing live at the gazebo at the arts center will be Griffin Crowder, who plays acoustic guitar, and the Walk-Ins, a band that covers pop favorites from Beatles to Beyoncé.
“It’s a festival atmosphere, and it’s a place where people come to relax and have a good time,” Cortilet said. “See the artwork inside, enjoy the artwork and booths outside, then grab a bite at a food truck. It’s a great way to spend the day.”
Vogt Visual Arts Center Food Truck and Art Festival
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 11
Where: Vogt Visual Arts Center, 17420 S. 67th Court, Tinley Park
Admission: Free
Details: 708-614-6503; tinleyparkdistrict.org/vvac
Jeff Banowetz is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.