Courtesy of the Highland Arts Council
For the past 11 years, bucolic Highland, Illinois has shown off its creative side and had some fun, too, with the annual Art in the Park. Located 35 miles from St. Louis, this juried show and sale will be held on Saturday, October 11 and Sunday, October 12 in Lindendale Park.
The Highland Arts Council hosts this yearly tradition as part of its plans, programs and projects meant to foster an artistic environment in the community. The council also works all year long in creating a showcase for local artists, while also engaging their community in arts education.Art in the Park features a broad range of innovative work from over 65 artists, across several mediums. The artists compete in twelve categories with $10,000 in cash prizes awarded to the winners.
HAC also hosts several other programs throughout the year, including Art of Soul, a five-week educational program where potential artists can experiment with five different artistic mediums in two-hour sessions. Art Expo is an exhibition and sale that incorporates public street art with music, food, and cool stuff for kids.
The weekend offers an opportunity for artists to do more than sell their art. These imaginative folks will also mentor and teach others through a series of live demonstrations that enable the artists to pass on their knowledge by educating their peers about techniques and styles while also encouraging them to explore the arts.
One of the artists on hand is Jaye Gregory, a sculpting teacher at St. Louis Community College at Meramec, who will demonstrate sculpting techniques. Works of art created during these demonstrations will be donated to the City of Highland.
The culinary arts are also featured in the popular Dueling Desserts competition held from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday. Four local chefs will battle it out, creating their unique style of delicious edible art. Winners will be crowned by public vote with funds raised going towards the Highland Area Christian Services Ministry’s food pantry.
In addition to art and food, there’s music at noon each day with Second Gear performing on Saturday and the McKendree University Jazz Quintet on Sunday. Children can get in on the act with two special programs, Kids Kreations and a Kids Art Gallery.
Last year, more than 9,000 people attended Arts in the Park, and organizers are hoping to draw 11,000 this year. Lynnette Schuepbach, Chair of Highland Arts Council, commented on why the event is so successful. “It’s a family-friendly event where you can see world-class art in a hometown atmosphere,” she says.
The festival is more than just another art fair. It’s a celebration of food, fun and creativity for the entire family. It’s a special opportunity for art lovers to interact with artists andlearn how they create their work.
Art in the Park takes place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 618-558-0054 or visit highlandartscouncil.org.
