Art in the Park event big hit in Highland as attendees receive sneak peek at mural
It was a weekend of the arts in Highland, as hundreds of people visited Lindendale Park for the 17th annual Art in the Park festival Oct. 9-10.
More than 200 people attended the preview party alone, entertained by the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Jazz Combo. Other performers alongside the art displays included the Highland Music School students and the Funk Ward Band. Children made their own art projects and could buy selected pieces from the featured artists for $5.
More than 65 artists displayed and sold their work at Lindendale Park during the festival.
Event chair Lynnette Schuepbach said it was a “fantastic” show with perfect weather and a variety of artists greeting “a ton of people.”
“It takes a multitude of volunteers and sponsors to pull this event off,” she said. “But it is well worth the effort.”
First place winners included: Cindy Kittle (Jewelry), Sarah Walker (Painting). Brady Kesner (Photography), Anna Repke (Fabric/Fiber), Steve Vick (Glass), Janey and Greg Brummett (Sculpture), Tony Treadway (Clay), Joseph Bodus (Drawing/Pastels), Michael Plurad (Graphics/Printmaking), and Arthur Schnur (Mixed Media).
Awards of excellence went to Catie Bowler, John Locus, Pat Syano and Tim Stambaugh.
The Mayor’s Award went to Susan Kunz, and Melissa Hampton was awarded best of show. Approximately $9,000 was awarded to the winners.
“If you’ve never been to Art in the Park, plan to attend next year,” Schuepbach said. “There is artwork at our show that is affordable for everyone.”
The festival was canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic, but was replaced with a “Scarecrow Search ArtWalk,” a self-guided scavenger hunt of art displayed around the community.
Meanwhile, attendees got a peek at the mural project sponsored by the Highland Arts Council.
St. Louis artist Robert Fishbone has been painting a mural on the wall of the Weinheimer Community Center for weeks, and while finishing touches are yet to be completed, the Highland history-themed mural was on view as the attendees approached Art in the Park.
The mural was supported with a matching grant from the National Endowment of the Arts.