Sip, Savor & Swing at Fine Arts Weekend in La Grange, Sept. 7-8

La Grange's 24th annual West End Arts Festival celebrates art in many forms as visitors can explore the talents of fine artists from across the Midwest, watch local chefs at work, enjoy unique wines and live jazz performances, and engage in all-ages art activities near the iconic Stone Avenue train station.

Presented by the La Grange Business Association, the free festival features over 60 noted artists who will display and sell their works including photography, acrylics, oils, pottery, jewelry, fabrics and sculpture. There will also be a booth showcasing the work of art students from Lyons Township High School including live demonstrations on the pottery wheel.

The West End Arts Festival is the culmination of a month-long series of events in La Grange to celebrate the 140th birthday of the Village. The event is held in front of the landmark Stone Avenue METRA station along Burlington Avenue at Brainard Avenue.

New this year are free guided tours of the century-old train station led by the La Grange Area Historical Society on Saturday. On Sunday, Bottle & Bottega will offer painting classes there in the style of American artist and television art instructor Bob Ross. Called "The Joy of Painting Happy Little Trees," wigs are included in this joyful journey to paint like a Ross. Space is limited; advance tickets for the classes may be purchased at https://www.bottleandbottega.com/la-grange/schedule/.

Expanding appeal to artists of all ages, the La Grange Art League and the Park District of La Grange will host interactive art activities and crafts for children. A face painter will be on hand to make each face a work of art.

The festival hours are Saturday from 10am-10pm and Sunday from 10am-4pm. Artists' booths will be open on Saturday from 10am-6pm; limited artists will remain open for browsing and purchase from 6pm-10pm. Saturday evening entertainment will include a live art auction of 30 hand-painted game tables that have been displayed in front of local La Grange businesses this summer.

Free parking is available in the nearby commuter lots. Visitors may take the Burlington Northern METRA train to the Stone Avenue station.

THE ART OF FOOD TENT, sponsored by Baird & Warner, will feature live culinary demonstrations and samplings from chefs at popular area restaurants:

Chefs on Saturday, Sept. 7th
11:00 am - Steak + Vine - Chef Mike Barth
12:00 pm - Altiro Latin Fusion Restaurant - Chef Roberto Avila
1:00 pm - Solstice - Chef Matt Bumba
2:00 pm - fourteensixteen - Chef Bret Bohning
3:00 pm - La Buona Vita - Chef Jonny Pitelka

Chefs on Sunday, Sept. 8th
12:00 pm - Barrel House Social - Chef Matthew Prignano
1:00 pm - Sushi Ukai - Chef Hong Dong
2:00 pm - Kama Bistro - Chef Vikram Singh
3:00 pm - Chef from Antonino's Ristorante

THE ART OF WINE TENT, sponsored by Coldwell Banker, offers a selection of over 30 varietals along with wine education. Hours are Saturday from 2:00pm-7:00pm and Sunday 12:30pm-3:30pm. An access pass to the wine tent is $20 in advance and $25 at the door and includes 8 tasting tickets and a souvenir glass. Wine tent access may be purchased in advance atwww.lagrangeevents.com. Wines by the bottle will also be available to purchase.

THE ART OF MUSIC TENT features live performances from local jazz bands including:

Jazz on Saturday, Sept. 7th
10:00 am - 11:30 am Nick Roach Quartet
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm Badass Gumbo
2:00 pm - 3:30 p m High Hat Second Line
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm The Chandelier Swingers
7:00 pm - 9:30 pm The Big Lagniappe

Jazz on Sunday, Sept. 8th
10:00 am - 11:30 am Sato Music Studios
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm Idle Oath
2:00 pm - 3:30 pm The Corner Boys

All schedules are subject to change.

LIVE ART AUCTION: 30 colorful game tables that have been exhibited throughout La Grange as part of a summer outdoor art exhibit will be sold at a live auction from the West End Arts Festival. The exhibit, called "Fun and Games in La Grange," is sponsored by the Park District of La Grange. The auction is live beginning at 6:00pm and benefits local nonprofits.

FOOD & BEVERAGE VENDORS: A variety of food vendors will be on the festival grounds including Antonino's Ristorante; Taqueria Mi Taquito, Paisan's Pizzeria, Nothing Bundt Cakes and We're Nuts. Beer and wine will be sold by Palmer Place.

FESTIVAL SPONSORS: The festival is possible through the generosity of numerous local businesses including Baird and Warner La Grange; Coldwell Banker; Chiro One; Guaranteed Rate; Orangetheory Fitness; Park District of La Grange; Republic Services, Village of La Grange; Vintage Charm and WDCB Radio.

For updates on the festival and all other events celebrating the 140th birthday of La Grange, visit: www.lagrangeevents.com

ABOUT US

The La Grange Business Association is a group of over 300 businesses, services and non-profit organizations that strive to energize and enhance the local economy through events, networking and advocacy.