65th Park Forest Art Fair
ART FAIR WINNERS:
CASH PRIZES
Luise Renner Prize Don Widmer
2-D work
James Marzuki Prize Susan Lemerand
3-D work
Terry Harrison Prize Debra Glen
Jewelry
Directors’ Prize Marikay Peter Witlock
Directors’ Prize Geannina Gutierrez
PURCHASE AWARD PRIZES
Tom & Joan Krysinski Art Ciccotti
Karen & Mark Zaret Jan Podbielski
Village of Park Forest Ray Luckhaupt
Gloria Payne
Jan Podbielski
Sandy Squillo
Doug Stein
The Park Forest Art Fair is returning in person in 2021! The fair is the second oldest juried art fair in the Chicagoland region. It features 70+ artists exhibiting in a range of media. It is an outdoor fair held in the Village Green and Main Street of Downtown Park Forest which is between Western & Orchard Drives. It will be held on Saturday, September 18 and Sunday, September 19, 2021 from 10:00 am to 5:00 p.m.
Several of the artists have exhibited for nearly four decades. Other, newer artists are returning from as far away as Florida and Arizona. The artists exhibit a variety of media from painting, printmaking, photography and stitchery to three dimensional artworks including sculpture, wood, metal and fabric arts. Many jewelry makers also participate in the fair. For several years in a row, the Park Forest Art Fair has been awarded the designation as one of the top 5 small art fairs in America by the Artfaircalendar contest “Best Art Fairs in America”.
One of the exciting new features of the fair, this year, will be a people’s Choice Award granted to an artist based on votes by fair attendees.
Musical entertainment is provided all day, both days. The Village hosts a music fest Saturday featuring jazz, pop and blues. On Sunday, folksinger and fest favorite, Patchouli, will perform.
One of the features of the fair is the “Kids Art Alley.” Located on the sidewalk in front of the Tall Grass Gallery, kids can participate in a number of art and crafts projects including the traditional art contest.
The Tall Grass Gallery and Gift Shop are open both days of the fair. The gallery will exhibit the works of a large number of their juried artists.
The fair and the gallery are both open to the public, free of charge.
Blend Acoustic (11:30 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.)
Blend Acoustic features two guitarists that have graced the Chicago music scene for over 25 years. Sean Cantorna was a member of the successful band Trippin’ Billies and his strong vocals remind one of the great Stephen Stills. Neal Alger has toured the world playing jazz music and lends his guitar phrases and background vocals to the duo, playing a variety of classic rock and pop from the 60’s to current hits; think Eric Clapton one moment and Coldplay the next.
The Raíces (1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.)
The Raíces Latin Jazz Quintet showcases classic Latin Jazz and Mambo music from the 1960’s by artists like Tito Puente, Cal Tjader and Mongo Santamaria. The group also performs some original compositions by vibraphonist Joe Sonnefeldt and their founder, percussionist Ruben Alvarez. Raíces performs at clubs, festivals and other events around the Chicago area. The musicians are: Joe Sonnefeldt- vibes; Stuart Seale- Piano; Eric Ferrer- bass; Bobby Delgado- timbales; andJorge Leal- congas.
Andrea Billups and Cuz’n (3 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.)
If it’s a cover of an R&B favorite, a Pop classic or a Jazz standard you seek, Cuz’n puts the heart of every musician into the songs they perform. After your trip down memory lane, stay for the original music! Whether it’s the powerhouse vocals of Andrea Billups, tantalizing electric guitar of Jeffrey Sheffield, the melodic keys of Albert Caldwell, or the energetic beat created by DeAngelo Barnes that drives you, you’re bound to walk away satisfied!
Doc Payne and the Payne Relief Smooth Blues Band (4:45 p.m. – 6 p.m.)
Jazz –Blues – Funk, from Count Basie – ZZ Hill – Stevie Wonder… Over 40 years of combined recording studio work! “If you don’t dig the blues, you got a serious hole in your soul” so prepare to pat your feet, throw your hands in the air like you just don’t care and shake a tail feather…..as Doc. Payne and the Payne Relief Smooth Blues Band prepare to “PATCH THE HOLE”!