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Area residents with artistic sensibilities are in for a treat soon: Frank
Lloyd Wright’s internationally-renown B. Harley Bradley House is
hosting its first Fine Art Show. Approximately twenty artists will
display their creations inside the architectural treasure, located in
Kankakee where Harrison Avenue meets the Kankakee River. “It’s so big we need three days to get it all done,” says Elisabeth
Dunbar, Executive Director of Wright In Kankakee (the nonprofit
organization that owns the Bradley House and makes it available
to the public). “It runs from Friday, July 20th through Sunday the
22nd, and there’ll be plenty for art lovers to see and do.” Janice Miller, President of the Community Arts Council Of
Kankakee County, with whom Wright In Kankakee is partnering
to produce the event, elaborates: “We have talented artists from
around the region. There are painters, photographers, jewelers,
mixed-media artists, and more. They’re all very good at
what they do- the quality rating of this show is high!” The Show will be installed in the ground level of the Bradley House,
so as patrons peruse the art they as well can view the wonders of
Wright’s first Prairie Style home. Tours of the House also will
be available.
Something for the art lovers
The Fine Art Show is not merely an exhibition, but also a sale.
“Throughout the event, patrons will be able to purchase whatever
stirs their soul,” Miller says. “We’re opening the affair with a Reception
on Friday night, and those who are there get first crack at everything.
If there’s a painting, found-object sculpture, photograph, or piece of
world-famous Lotton art glass that’s calling your name, you’ll be
able to snap it up.” The art will quench patrons’ aesthetic hunger, notes Miller, “and the
body will be satisfied as well: both the Reception and the Show are
catered by the Bennett-Curtis House. Their food is wonderful!” All
the refreshments at the Reception are complimentary with the
admission, and on Saturday and Sunday Show-goers may purchase
from a varied menu. Adds Dunbar, “For the Show we’ll have tables set up under the
Bradley House portico outside the main entrance. The atmosphere
will be pleasant and gracious.” Something for the artists Not only will the Show’s artists be exhibiting and selling, they’ll be
competing. “We have three categories in which our artists can enter
to be judged and win awards,” Miller explains, “Frank Lloyd
Wright-inspired, Bradley House-inspired, and general.” Expert
judges will pick the winners in each segment, and they will receive cash prizes and ribbons. There’s
also a Best In Show citation, which may come from any category. “And the public gets in on it too,” Dunbar notes. “We’re having a
People’s Choice award: everyone who comes can vote for their
favorite piece.” This prize will be announced on Sunday, at the
conclusion of the Show.
A special kickoff The artwork will be judged and the awards presented on the evening
of Friday the 20th, during the wine-and-hors d’oeuvres Reception,
in which those present will be the first in the community to view the art.
They’ll meet the artists and discuss the work, then be on hand as the
winners are declared and honors bestowed. “Attendance to the reception is limited and the deadline to register is
fast approaching,” Dunbar cautions, “so those who want to come
should sign up right away.” How to attend On both Saturday July 21st and Sunday the 22nd, the Show opens
at 10:00 am and closes at 4:00 pm. Admission each day is $5.00. |
