Highland Arts Council adds ‘Art Walk’ to 18th annual Art in the Park

The Highland Arts Council is set to celebrate world-class art in a hometown atmosphere with its 18th annual Art in the Park and its recently dedicated mural on the wall of the Weinheimer Community Center in Highland.

Art in the Park

A multitude of people will enjoy the two-day juried exhibit and sale of works by professional artists Friday, Oct. 7, through Sunday, Oct. 9, at Lindendale Park in Highland, just 30 miles east of St. Louis.

Art in the Park is free and open to the public and features original works in a wide range of art mediums, including painting, clay, glass, drawing/pastels, fabric/fiber, wood, sculpture, photography, jewelry, graphics/printmaking and mixed media.

A special area for emerging artists — college students or recent graduates — to showcase their work and offer artwork for sale is new for Art in the Park. HAC feels it is important for the community to support these emerging artists and encourage them to become the best they can be.

“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 the president of the Highland Arts Council, the producer of Art in the Park.

“We are pleased to be celebrating Art in the Park’s 18th successful year of showcasing the art culture of the region and the nation and bringing this directly to the community of Highland and surrounding areas. HAC members are excited to make art available to the residents of Highland and surrounding areas.”

Throughout the weekend, artists will share their art as finished items and as part of their demonstrations at their booths. By learning how each medium is produced, attendees will see the value of each piece. In addition to the work of professional artists, you will enjoy a Youth Art Exhibit made by students attending surrounding schools. Or the children may want to participate in an interactive public art banner that they can paint on. All are invited to join in the fun.

“We hope to not only promote artists over the course of the weekend, but also to 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 in the Kids Kreation area.

Food and drinks will be available throughout the fair. Lindendale Park is handicap accessible and parking is free. Artwork will be exhibited and offered for sale from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9.

You Pay – You Eat & Drink – You Get Your Money Back to Buy Art

Be one of the Art in the Park VIP’s to Celebrate the 18th anniversary of this event. Pre-pledge dollars allow people to attend the Preview Party, set for 6-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7, and use money to buy art.

See the artwork before it is open to the general public, eat and drink, listen to live music and have conversations with the artists. Pledge a minimum of $100 for two to attend the party then use that pledge money to buy art. To take advantage of this unique opportunity, call 618-558-0054 or mail a check to Highland Arts Council, PO Box 33, Highland, IL 62249.

After the council receives the pre-pledge dollars, the preview party invitation will be mailed to the individual. “Art Bucks” in the amount of the pre-pledge dollars may be picked up at the Preview Party or any time during the show. The Preview Party is sponsored by Edward Jones Investments/Matt Armentrout, Edward Jones Investments/Kevin Dewaele, and Edward Jones Investments/DeAnna Domagalski.

The Mural

While in Highland for Art in the Park, take time to view the recently dedicated mural, designed and painted by Robert and Liza Fishbone on the Weinheimer Community Center, 1100 Main St. in Highland.

This father-daughter team of On the Wall Productions based in St. Louis has been involved with approximately 200 mural projects, with a wide variety of clients and in several states. Liza, a prolific street artist, joined him in 2015.

The mural is a combination of historic icons and the hope for a bright future. The mural is HAC’s newest addition to the Art Walk, a self-guided tour of artwork throughout the city.

The mural and Art in the Park have been made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Arts & Education Council Bayer Fund Rural Community Arts Program.

For more information, visit highlandartscouncil.org. Follow the Highland Arts Council on Facebook and Twitter.