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Mundelein ready for inaugural arts festival
Mundelein, 3/23/01 --Pioneer Press Columnist, Millie Maughton.
Updated: November 4, 2011 8:07PM
Thanks to a creative idea about a year ago, Mundelein will see its first fine arts festival this weekend at Kracklauer Park, 100 N. Seymour Ave.
Graphic designer Christa Lawrence of Christa Lawrence Design (you may recognize some of her work through the Mundelein centennial logo, the logo for Golden Legs Running, or Mundelein School District 75 to name a few) started thinking. She came up with a threefold reasoning why Mundelein should have its own arts festival. Lawrence wants to promote artists and their creations, highlight the budding talent found in our two high schools and provide good PR to our town.
The folks in Long Grove, who have held their own arts fest for more than 20 years, gave Lawrence some tips to help make her idea a reality. In addition, hosted by the Mundelein Community Connection, a Downtown Revitalization Effort, this first annual Fine Arts Festival has the support of the village and the Park District. Assistant Village Administrator Mike Flynn, as well as Mundelein Park District Director Margaret Resnick. are on board to make this a successful venture.
To continue getting her idea off the ground, a committee was formed late last year. Lawrence wanted an art fair with a “different mission”. One tent will feature art created by students from Mundelein and Carmel High Schools. Teachers from both schools are coordinating who and how to share the space. In addition, a $500 scholarship will be presented to each school to continue to promote the arts.
There will be several dozens artists selling their art that includes paintings, sculptures, jewelry, photography and art created from wood, glass, ceramics, metal, and fabric. This would be a great time to show support for these local artists (most are from Lake County, as well as some from Indiana and Wisconsin) and maybe begin to get some holiday shopping out of the way.
This art-filled weekend will take place Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. To round out the festivities, you can watch some Paddy Lynn Story Acting, listen to some local music and other entertainment, and even head over to the kids tent to create their own masterpieces. Several artists are scheduled each day to talk about their crafts. And of course, food will be available from local vendor and area restaurants.
While Lawrence admits that much of the success of the Mundelein Arts Festival is going to be due to the weather, everyone is hoping for a good showing by the artists to make this an annual event.
Contact Mundelein Musings at: millienaughton@att.net
