How to Spend a Saturday in May...

I am so excited to be able to share All Things Art in Algonquin with you.

When I first moved to the Village, I was amazed by the abundance of artists, as well as the amount of support and patronage Algonquin offered them.  It is my intention, through these postings, to acquaint and keep you up to date on these artists as well as the events, classes, and opportunities offered to you, the reader.

So here we go, on a journey to explore the art in our area -  and hopefully, the artist in you!

Looking forward to sharing All Things Art with you,

Nancy Cook


My favorite Saturdays are spent checking out a local Art Fair.  I pack a lunch, take a few extra "shopping bags", my camera (for inspirational photos to use later), a few bottles of water, a good friend, and Ta-Daa - The Perfect Day!  Nothing beats having the warm spring sun on your shoulders, getting a good walk in the fresh air, and enjoying the artists in our area as they sell their wares!

These events are also great for families.  With activities and interests for men, women  AND children, these  family friendly afternoons are perfect for the "I'm Bored" set!  Kids and parents alike will appreciate the wide open spaces of a art fair that doesn't require the "HUSH" and "BEHAVE" requests of other activities!

The following list of Art Fairs & Shows include a web address and/or telephone number if you would like more information on the event. So, pick the date, turn off the t.v, grab someone to share your day and head out to the fair!

05/07    
Handmade Specialties Spring Craft Show  Round Lake Beach Civic Center - Round Lake Beach, IL  60073

Handmade Specialties Spring Craft Show is on May 7th from  10am to 3pm. This show offers crafts, raffles and gift certificates along with  free crafting workshops.
www.handmadespecialties.com.

5/07 - 5/08  and every 2nd Weekend, Monthly    
Grayslake Antique and Collectibles Market    Lake County Fairgrounds, Grayslake, IL.

Sat -10 am to 4pm, Sun - 8am to 3pm. This market is open year round and is held every 2nd weekend monthly.. There are four large buildings with dealers set up inside, so the show goes on rain or shine. Inside you will find dealers from across the Midwest and the country selling a wide variety of items from oil paintings to art glass. Complete indoor cafeteria on site.  http://www.zurkopromotions.com/Grayslake.htm

05/07       
Elgin's Green EXPO   The Centre of Elgin - Elgin, IL    60120

9am-4pm  Outstanding to have everything under one roof… 100's of vendors interested in green technology.  Arts, Crafts, free, family-friendly, fun event. For the guys - cars, mechanics & technology,  kids will enjoy the environmentally friendly activities & ladies will able to get a relaxing chair massage & shop!!
http://ecco-foxvalley.net/blog/

05/14
Hometown Plant and Craft Sale - Rolling Meadows Garden club    William D. Ahrens Building -  Rolling Meadows, IL.      60008

This Sale has become an anxiously awaited event to area gardeners. 9am-2pm - this yearly sale features a variety of seasonal plants and unique perennials along with garden and nature themed crafts, a kid's corner and a master gardener.
www.rollingmeadowsgardenclub.org


05/21                                                                                                                                                  A Garden Party   Downtown District - Crystal Lake, IL    60014

10am-4pm   Good things are blooming downtown with flowers, music, and garden art.  Downtown merchants compete in their fabulous "Pink Tablecloth Contest."  Vote for your favorite to be eligible for Downtown gift certificates.
http://www.downtowncl.org/12.html