Highland Arts Council to Celebrate Art in the Park Tenth Anniversary

HIGHLAND PARK, Ill. - Sept. 30, 2013 - PRLog -- The Highland Arts Council is set to celebrate world class art in the hometown atmosphere with its tenth annual Art in the Park. The two-day juried exhibit and sale of works by nearly 70 professional artists will be held October 12-13, 2013 at Lindendale Park in Highland, Ill., just 30 miles east of St. Louis.

Free and open to the public, Art in the Park will feature original works in a wide range of art mediums, including: watercolor, oil/acrylic, clay, glass, drawing/pastels, fabric/fiber, wood, sculpture, photography, jewelry, graphics/printmaking and mixed media. Artwork will be exhibited and offered for sale in outdoor booths from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 12 and Sunday, October 13 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

“This family-friendly festival brings professional artwork to the community while providing music, food and fun for children and adults,” said Lynnette Schuepbach, the event chairperson and president of the Highland Arts Council, the producer of Art in the Park. “We are pleased to be celebrating Art in the Park’s tenth successful year of showcasing the art culture of the region and bringing this directly to the community of Highland.”

Jurying for Art in the Park will be conducted by a panel of experienced art professionals. The 2013 panel includes: Carrie Gibbs, director of Shrode Art Center at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts in Mt. Vernon, IL.; Nate Steinbrink, curator of Exhibits at the University Museum at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL.; and Laura Strand, the area head of textile and design for the Art & Design Department at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, IL. This year, a total of $10,500 cash prizes will be awarded in twelve categories.

Throughout the weekend, artists will be holding demonstrations at their booths. In addition, a mobile glass blowing unit from Southern Illinois University in Cardondale will be demonstrating artistic works made by blowing glass. Works of art created during the demonstrations will be donated to the City of Highland for the environment of the local community.

Back by popular demand is Dueling Desserts, a food-as-art competition and demonstration featuring artful, edible desserts prepared by chefs and culinary professionals within the bi-state area.  Attendees can vote for their favorite by dropping spare change in jars on Sunday.  All proceeds are donated to a food pantry operated by Highland Area Christian Services Ministry.

“We hope to not only promote artists over the course of the weekend, but to also inspire new artists and art enthusiasts,” said Schuepbach.  “There aren’t many other places where kids can start their own art collections with just a few dollars.”  The Art Gallery…Just for Kids allows any child up to the age of 18 to purchase artwork donated by exhibiting artists for $5. In addition, young people can create their own art projects and show their love of art with a removable tattoo for free in the Kids Kreation area.

Food and drink will be available throughout the fair. It’s a great event for a beautiful day with the family. Lindendale Park, the site for the event, is handicap accessible and parking is free.

Art in the Park will be held in Lindendale Park located at the corner of Lindenthal Avenue and Park Hill Drive, Highland, IL 62249, just 30 miles east of St. Louis. Event hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 12 and on Sunday, October 13 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. To learn more, visit http://www.highlandartscouncil.org/aitp_for_the_media.htm or call 618-558-0054.

About the Highland Arts Council

The Highland Arts Council actively promotes the arts in the community of Highland through a variety of activities and projects.  The Highland Arts Council provides a showcase for local artists and an educational opportunity for many members of the community to be exposed to the arts.  The Highland Arts Council enriches people’s lives though the appreciation of the arts and providing educational opportunities involved with the arts.  The Highland Arts Council is always looking for new and exciting ways to promote all areas of the arts as well as providing budding artists, both young and old, with new and creative ways to showcase their art.