Call for artists goes out

Home News Call for artists goes out 2015 Edwardsville Art Fair now in the planning process Story Comments Share Share Print Create a hardcopy of this page Font Size: Default font size Larger font size Posted: Friday, May 29, 2015 2:00 pm By JULIA BIGGS jbiggs.edwi@gmail.com | 0 comments jbiggs Posted on May 29, 2015 by Julia Biggs The Edwardsville Arts Center is accepting artists' applications through June 1 for the 2015 Edwardsville Art Fair that will take place Sept. 25 through Sept. 27 in Edwardsville's City Park. The event supports artists – both locally and nationally – enabling them to share their labors of love with the community. The city of Edwardsville and EAC are excited to again collaborate as they host the second annual Edwardsville Art Fair. Last year's inaugural Art Fair was a big success drawing over 60 artists from six different states. “Whether you are a budding artist looking to explore the art scene or a seasoned artist who travels the country showing your work, the Edwardsville Arts Center would be pleased to consider your application for Edwardsville Art Fair 2015,” Edwardsville Arts Center Gallery Manager Carolyn Tidball said. The deadline for artists' submissions is June 1. Apply by visiting the EAC’s Web site at www.edwardsvilleartscenter.com. Tidball pointed out that last year's artists made many positive remarks about the inaugural event. “One artist from last year’s Art Fair said that it 'was an awesome turnout.' I was able to talk to a variety of people and share my investigations and processes with them. It made my heart happy,”” Tidball added. The Edwardsville Art Fair is a juried Art Fair that will feature the original works of approximately 100 accomplished artists as well as local food and drink It's a three-day opportunity for the family to see art, make art, and buy art. The Children's Create IT and Take IT Activity tent, generously sponsored by Scott Credit Union, was overwhelmingly popular last year. Last year’s Create IT and Take IT Activity was such a big hit that it will be offered on two days – on both Saturday and Sunday – this year instead of just one. Art materials will be provided for free, and kids will have a great time getting creative and colorful with this fun art opportunity. For the artists in the fair, the EAC will be awarding prizes worth $15,000 including Best of Show ($1,500), six named awards ($750 each), 12 Best of Category awards ($600) and nine merit awards non-specific to categories ($200). Local businesses are already stepping up to the plate to sponsor artist awards, including First Clover Leaf Bank, which is sponsoring a First Clover Leaf Bank Award for $750, and Borden Dental Arts, which will be sponsoring a $200 Merit Award. Sponsors will receive tickets to the VIP Event, signage and logos on volunteer t-shirts, and the event poster. Contact the Edwardsville Arts Center at 618-655-0337 or office@edwardsvilleartscenter.com for more information on becoming a sponsor. Simmons Hanley Conroy will be sponsoring the Art Fair’s Hospitality Services, an extremely important part of this event. The EAC volunteers will again be providing assistance to artists with set-up and break-down of displays, refreshments throughout the event, and booth sitting services when needed. Returning this year will be the Children's Art Gallery which is a collection of donated artwork from each of the exhibiting artists. With the purchase of a $50 ticket, a child can select (no parents allowed) one piece from the gallery to take home – a perfect way to start an art collection. All monies raised from the Children's Art Gallery fund the free art classes offered each Saturday at EAC. Art Cash (gift certificates) will also again be available for purchase in $50 increments to spend at the Edwardsville Art Fair. The Art Cash, which can be purchased in advance, makes for a great gift idea for any occasion, and can be used as currency during the three day event.