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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 4, 2018

 

PEORIA ART GUILD ANNOUNCES THE 2018 FINE ART FAIR — RECIPIENT OF SUNSHINE ARTIST “TOP 200 FAIRS” AWARD

 

Peoria, IL- The Peoria Art Guild is proud to announce the 2018 Fine Art Fair to be held on the Peoria Riverfront September 28-30, 2018. As one of the oldest fine art fairs in the country, the Peoria Art Guild Fine Art Fair draws an anticipated attendance of 8,000 people each year. The fair is nationally recognized for its organization, volunteers, event marketing and, unlike most fairs, for putting artists’ needs at the top of the priority list. When an art fair is located in the heart of the Midwest, in the middle of the state of Illinois, and 150 miles from a large metropolitan city, you work harder to retain the reputation – and our loyal board of directors, committee and sponsors are dedicated to that goal. The Fine Art Fair has also been published in the prestigious rankings of art fair rating sources. Most recently, it ranked #75 in the “Top 200 Fairs” by Sunshine Artist Magazine. The Fine Art Fair is not only the major art event in central Illinois, but is a popular community and family event that showcases quality art, music, food, and hands-on art activities for kids and adults.

 

This year the Peoria Art Guild appointed two new Directors to the Fine Art Fair after Cathi Hawkinson hung up her Fine Art Fair hat after more than 14 years of directing the fair. Shannon Cox and Kim Sanders are very excited to be a part of the 56th year of this Central Illinois tradition.

 

New this year is the Friday night opening event featuring local band Captain Quirk live on CEFCU stage from 6-10 p.m. Captain Quirk presents a popular classic rock genre and will be enjoyed by all ages. All 130 featured artist booths will be open and artists will display their artwork that evening. A variety of local food and beverage vendors will be available. It gives our attendees an opportunity to enjoy the artists and entertainment after work on Friday night and experience our wonderful riverfront. We are also encouraging our “I BUY ART”  buyers to get an advance peek of artwork and shop early on Friday evening. Opening the fair at 5:45 p.m. on Friday will be a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Peoria Chamber of Commerce followed by a drum line performance to celebrate our 56th year.

 

I BUY ART is a grassroots campaign started by Peoria-based textile company Collecture. It will be the central theme of this year’s Fine Art Fair, hosted by Peoria Art Guild. Abby Gettys, Allison Walsh and Alexander Martin are at the core of the I BUY ART campaign. We are proud to invite them to the fair as our guest artists this year, along with local emerging artist Natalie Zelman.

 

I BUY ART was launched to reinforce a philosophy that the best way to support the arts is to buy art. I BUY ART buttons are sent across the United States to artists, art collectors, art advocacy organizations, and art buyers in an effort to advocate for artists and emphasize the importance of buying original art. Each person who purchases a piece of art at this years fair will receive a button with their purchase.

 

“We are thrilled to encourage this initiative that promotes Peoria as a community that supports its artists. This will enhance our Fine Art Fair and city as a supportive art community that welcomes our guests and artists to come back another time and explore more of what Peoria has to offer.” -Kim Sanders & Shannon Cox

 

We welcome you to enjoy an array of art including local artists from the Peoria area, across the country and around the world. Bring your kids and grandkids to the Kids’ Art Festival featuring make-and-take art projects. Participate in the Interactive Community Mural and enjoy great local food & beverages. Performances on CEFCU stage feature local organizations like The German American Central Society, Youth Music Illinois, Peoria Chinese Association, The Underground School of Sound, Bradley University Jazz Ensemble, Peoria Ballet, The Classical Dance Academy, and Peoria Jazz Allstars. There will be a few surprises in store as well!

 

LOCATION:
RIVERFRONT FESTIVAL PARK
200 NE WATER STREET
PEORIA, IL

FREE PARKING

$10 FRIDAY EVENING
$5 SATURDAY SINGLE-DAY PASS
$5 SUNDAY SINGLE-DAY PASS
$7 SATURDAY & SUNDAY WEEKEND PASS
CHILDREN 12 & UNDER FREE

PEORIA ART GUILD MEMBERS FREE

 

Find more about volunteering, ticket purchases and membership opportunities on our website: www.peoriaartguild.org

 

Media Contact: Shannon Cox

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 1-309-267-2056

 

Media Contact: Kim Sanders

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 1-309-253-7167

 

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