You never know what you will see or find at a summer art fair. (Port Clinton-Jodie Jacobs photo)
Check out some suburban shopping areas and Chicago neighborhoods while the weather is still warm and breezy. The reward may be a painting perfect for the hall, a sculpture just right for the yard or mantle, a silk print scarf or tie to wear to a concert or a piece of jewelry to hold onto until gift giving during the holidays.
Here are some art fairs that are a good excuse to get outdoors.
August
4-5 Glenview
Art at the Glen features 185 artists in the Glen Tower Center. Hours: 10 am – 5 pm. For more info see Amdur Productions.
11-12 Lincolnshire
About 120 artists participate in the annual Lincolnshire Art Festival held on the Village Green in north suburban Lincolnshire. Hours are 10 am – 5 pm. For more info see Amdur Productions.
25-26 Oak Park
On the western edge of Chicago look for more than 130 exhibitors at the annual Oak Park Avenue-Lake Arts & Crafts Show in Scoville Park at Oak Park Avenue and Lake Street. Hours: Saturday 11 am – 7 pm , Sunday 9 am – 5 pm. For more info see American Society of Artists.
25-26 Highland Park
The Port Clinton Art Festival, among the Midwest’s best art fairs, sprawls across First and Second Streets and the Port Clinton Plaza on Central Avenue as it showcases about 265 artists from across the globe. For more info see Amdur Productions.
25-26 Chicago
About 200 artists exhibit their works at the annual Bucktown Arts Fest held in Senior Citizens Memorial Park, 2300 N. Oakley Ave at 2300 W. Lyndale St. Hours: 11 am – 7 pm. For more info see Bucktownh Arts Fest.
September
3-4 Lake Forest
Sponsored by the Deer Path Art League, the Annual Art Fair on the Square fills the town’s Historic Market Square and Western Avenue with 180 artists. Hours: 10 am – 5 pm. For more info see Deer Path Art League.
8-9 Chicago
About 150 exhibitors will be at the Lakeview East Festival of the Arts at Broadway Street and Belmont Avenue. Hours: Saturday, 10 am – 7 pm Sunday, 10 am – 6 pm For more info see Lakeview East Festival of the Arts.
15-16 Naperville
West suburban Naperville features 140 artists at its Riverwalk Fine Art Fair held downtown along the Dupage River and at Eagle Street and Jackson Avenue. Hours: 10 am to 5 pm. For more info see Riverwalk Fine Art Fair.
15-16 Park Forest
Sponsored by Tall Grass Arts Assn., the Park Forest Art Fair is held downtown and has 90 exhibitors. For more info see Tallgrass Arts.
21-23 Glencoe (Chicago Botanic Garden)
Among the best shows in the country, the American Craft Exposition takes over the Regenstein Center at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd.,in Glencoe just east of Edens Expressway. Hours: Friday & Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm, Sunday 11 am – 5 pm. For more info see American Craft Expo.
22- 23 Barrington
Art in the Barn brings 166 exhibitors to the grounds of Good Shepherd Hospital, 450 W IL Highway 22. Hours: 10 am – 5 pm. For more info see Art in the Barn.
29-30 Chicago
The Edgewater Arts Festival, a neighborhood fair that welcomes the whole city is at 1040-1190 W. Granville Ave. The fair features more than 100 exhibitors and several bands. Hours 11 am – 6 pm. A $5 donation is suggested. For more info see Edgewater Artists.
29- 30 Highwood
Starving Artists Show on Sheridan Road from Highwood to Webster
10 am to 5 pm 120 Artists. For more info see Amdur Productions.
Jodie Jacobs