Art in the Park in Highland, Il Showcases World Class Are in Hometown Atmosphere

Online, August 25, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Highland, IL, August, 25 2010 - The Highland Arts Council is set to celebrate world class art in the hometown atmosphere with its seventh annual Art in the Park. The two-day juried exhibit and sale of works by over 70 professional artists will be held October 9-10 in Lindendale Park in Highland, Illinois, 35 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 9 and on Sunday, October 10 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

"We attract talented artists from the Metro East and St. Louis and as far away as Oregon and the East Coast. Art lovers will find one-of-a-kind pieces in a wide range of prices. There really is art for everyone at Art in the Park," stated Lynnette Schuepbach, event chairperson and vice president of the Highland Art Council, the producer of Art in the Park.

Jurying for Art in the Park will be conducted by a panel of experienced arts professionals. The 2010 panel includes: Helen D. Hume, instructor, artist and art education author from St. Louis; Kathryn Narhorsky, executive director of Jacoby Arts Center in Alton, IL; and Carolyn Karasek-Needles, instructor, artist, and author/illustrator from Belleville, IL. This year, a total of $10,500 in cash prizes will be awarded in twelve categories as well as special awards.

The art fair offers fun for the entire family. Throughout the weekend, glass bead makers, plein air painters and a wire sculptor will be holding demonstrations at their booths. In addition, two locally-celebrated muralists, Lucy Gelthorst-Gish and Mari Gish-Huebener of St. Louis will be creating a mural on site. Upon its completion, the work will be displayed on the exterior of a public building in Highland for the enjoyment of the local community.

Back by popular demand is Dueling Desserts, a food-as-art competition and demonstration featuring artful edible desserts prepared by area chefs and culinary professionals including Matt Boekhout, The Boekhout Bakery; Claire Robberson, Eclipse Restaurant; Stephan Schubert, River City Casino; Brian Pelletier, Kakao; Simone Fauer, Ritz Carlton-St. Louis; Timothy Grandinetti, Overlook Farm; Pat Jacoby, Patty-Cakes; and Stefani Pollack, The Cupcake Project. Attendees vote for the best dessert by dropping spare change in jars. Proceeds are donated to a food pantry operated by Highland Area Christian Services Ministry. Due to the popularity of Dueling Desserts at last year's fair, the culinary event will be held both days this year.

Attractions for children include The Children's Gallery, where any child up to the age of 18 can purchase artwork donated by exhibiting artists for $5. "Kids love coming to Art in the Park. Where else can they buy beautiful handcrafted blown glass for just a few dollars? Making art accessible to young people is one of the best ways to instill a lifelong appreciation for art," said Schuepbach. In addition, young people can create their own art projects and get their faces painted at no charge at The Kids Kreation area.

Art in the Park also features live entertainment; food and drink will be available throughout the fair. Lindendale Park, the site for the event, is handicapped accessible and parking is free.

Art in the Park will be held in Lindendale Park located at 2025 Park Hill Drive, Highland, IL 62249, just 35 miles east of St. Louis. Event hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 9 and on Sunday, October 10 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. To learn more, visit www.highlandartscouncil.org/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. HAC provides a showcase for local artists and an educational opportunity for many members of the community to be exposed to the arts. HAC enriches people's lives through 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.