Spring Grove Show Sunday

On Sunday I will be making my way to the beautiful Turtle Creek Lodge in Spring Grove. Affair of the Arts, a Fine Art & Artisan Gift Show, is held Sunday, March 5, 10 am to  5 pm at The Shores of Turtle Creek, 7908 Winn Road, Spring Grove, Illinois 60081.

The spacious lodge will be filled with 10,000 sq. ft of original artwork and artisan crafts. Admission to the event is free. You can peruse Jewelry, Ceramics, Painting, Printmaking, Photography, Fiber Art, Wood, Metalwork, 3D Mixed Media, Fine Art, Home Accessories, and Artisan Fashion items while sipping on cocktails.

You can find me in the Mixed Media category, along with:

• J + K Isacson
• Cindy Lesperance
• Maike’s Marvels
• Will Slagel
• Maija Steele

I’m thrilled my friend Cindy’s part of it. Cindy Lesperance is an award-winning artist who works out of her private studio in the NW suburbs of Chicago. Her art has been exhibited and has earned awards in many juried shows and competitions, galleries, and museums throughout the Chicagoland area and across the country. Cindy loves spending time in nature, traveling, and learning about other cultures: their art, traditions, and architecture.

Always aware of color, pattern, and texture, these experiences are an inspiration for her geometric works of art which are reminiscent of nature, oriental rugs, and fabrics. Although self-taught, Cindy has evolved a personal style in encaustic that is highly sophisticated and meticulous in attention to craftsmanship. At times she plans out a painting in it’s entirely before it is begun but more often she works intuitively applying minute “droplets” of wax, one-by-one, to produce a tactile pattern that invites the viewer to touch.

Ceramics and Home Artists include:

• Lynn & Diane Abbott
• Michael Benstein
• James Blechschmidt
• Natasha Glumova
• Jan Johnson
• Feisty Dog
• Danuta Loane
• Regina Lombardo
• Josie Rochell
• Kari Thornton
• Fiber and Photo artists are:
• Katie Biedrzycka
• Shari Emme
• Meghan Faulkner
• Kathleen Freund
• Brook Mrkvicka
• Upsydoozy
• TF Wilcox
• Jewelry artists include:
• Marianne A. McKoveck
• Paula Dammeyer
• Leanne Emery – Triskele Moon
• Amy Hassan
• Jewels Botanica
• Maike’s Marvels
• Despina Pafralides
• Kathleen Watson

Drawing and Painting artists represented are:

• Barbara Benstein
• Tonya Bestor
• Robert Cairone
• Caroline Goldsmith
• J + K Isacson
• Connie Olmstead
• Elizabeth Waddington
• Tree Frog Studio

Visitors are able to purchase beverages and enjoy complimentary snacks during the Affair of the Arts event.  Wine, mixed drinks and other beverages can be purchased on the first floor, past the central fireplace.  Hors d’ oeuvres and light snacks will be available. I was a booth winner last year at the holiday fair, and had a great time trying on fancy coats and meeting wonderful people during the day-long event. I look forward to seeing the new creations everyone has come up with.

The first floor of Turtle Creek accommodates about half of the participating artists, with plenty of room for browsers to mingle and shop.  Downstairs,  you will find another full level of inspiring fine art and crafts to purchase. All items for sale are handcrafted. There will be something for everyone’s budget, from affordable small gifts to collector pieces.

Both levels are handicapped-accessible. There is a ramp to the upper level along the west side of the building, and also a ramp sloping down to the lower level entrance. The staircase to the lower level is located immediately to the right after you enter the main entrance doorway.

The lodge is situated on 32 scenic acres. Inside, there is seating along the large windows overlooking beautifully landscaped grounds. Affair of the Arts is Directed/Produced by J + K Isacson who coordinate other art exhibitions, events and artist call via xculturearts.com.