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Barrington, Lake Zurich welcome in fall at ARTumn Fest
Lake Zurich resident Connie Elliott (center) and her husband Guy Trayling (right) talk with clay artist Toni Macri-Reiner (left) at the ARTumn Harvest festival Saturday in Deer Park. Their dogs are named Justis and Liberty. | Buzz Orr~Sun-Times Media
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Updated: September 21, 2012 5:54PM
DEER PARK — The Barrington and Lake Zurich communities welcomed in fall last weekend with the inaugural ARTumn Harvest Art Festival in the Deer Park Town Center.
The two-day outdoor party featured 33 artists, and countless varieties of art.
“It’s a small show but excellent quality,” said Debbie Netter, whose D&W Events Inc. ran the art festival.
The art offerings ranged from unique paintings and ceramics to jewelry, clothing, photography and fiber art.
More than 1,000 people were expected to attend the festival, which ran from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
“Jewelry always goes first, but it’s pretty much what you like,” Netter said.
Those who attended said they were interested in browsing all the artists’ booths in search of that eye-catching piece.
One of the most unique tents belonged to Vulcan Glass Art Studio, which featured live glass blowing demonstrations every half hour.
Barry Stevens, the artist behind Vulcan Glass Art Studio, reported that his tent experienced a significant amount of traffic because people were curious about his work. Stevens, who made several sales, explained that he enjoys doing the demonstrations because it gives people a connection to the art.
Among the many jewelry tents at the ARTumn Harvest event was Jacqueline Bevan’s Jewels Botanica.
Her work fuses real leaves in glass.
“It’s been decent traffic for a small show,” said Bevan.
One of the other most visited tents featured handcrafted leather handbags made by Gail and Sylvester Robinson. The husband and wife team offered several unique, all-leather bags that reflect both culture and experience.
Event attendees could find leather patterns in all different shapes, colors and styles.
“We have people who are interested because it’s so different,” said Gail Robinson, who has been making bags with her husband for 12 years.
Many attendees added that the clear and cool weekend weather proved a big reason for the art festival’s success.
“It’s a nice day out and the event is really nice,” said Stephanie Zalewski.
“I love the event; very cute,” added attendee Amy Mitchell. “I like the photography.”
In addition to the artists’ tents, there also was an interactive art booth just for kids and live entertainment. Several restaurants from the Town Center had their own tents set up, too, serving food and freckled lemonade to visitors.
