West End Art Festival Turns 21

LA GRANGE, IL — The West End Art Festival turns 21 this year and celebrates Sept. 17-18 with a noteworthy lineup of juried fine artists from throughout the Midwest, throughout the Chicago area as well as student artists from around the block.

The event attracts thousands of visitors to La Grange through the weekend to view and purchase original art in mixed media and enjoy the live music, food and wine/beer offered from area restaurants, culinary demonstrations with local chefs, and art activities for all ages.

Presented by the La Grange Business Association and held in cooperation with the Village of La Grange, the festival highlights the established cultural scene of art galleries, dance, and music studios that La Grange has to offer in addition to its award-winning restaurants, eclectic boutiques and thriving business community.

The festival is held in the shadow of the landmark Stone Avenue Metra Station along Burlington Avenue between Brainard and Spring Avenue. On Saturday, artists' booths will be open from 10 am - 5 pm; evening music and limited artists remain open for browsing and purchase from 5 pm to 10pm; and on Sunday the hours are 10 am - 4 pm.

Under the Performance Art tent, sponsored by Kathy Dierkes State Farm Insurance, various musicians and dancers will perform throughout the weekend. Saturday evening, called "A Night of Art & Jazz," will feature a live art auction of several six-foot-tall peace pole bird houses that have been on display throughout La Grange as a part of an outdoor art exhibit this summer. The live auction begins at 6pm and will benefit local charities. Afterwards, the high-energy, big band sounds of the Reunion Jazz Orchestra will fill the West End of La Grange from 7:30 pm to 10 pm, and selected artists will stay open late to allow festival goers to browse and shop while listening to great music with food and wine available from local restaurants.

The Art of Food tent, sponsored by Baird & Warner, features culinary demonstrations throughout the weekend from chefs at popular establishments like Emilio's Tapas Restaurant, Isn't That Sweet Dessert Boutique, Kama Bistro, La Buona Vita, Steak + Vine, and others plus wine tastings from Vino e Birra.

Throughout the weekend, patrons can join in and show off their own artistic sides by contributing to the creation of a community mural or by purchasing a small canvas and making their own masterpiece with help from the staff of Bottle and Bottega.

Up-to-date information on artists, musicians and vendors can be found on Facebook and Twitter/ West End Art Festival or www.lgba.com.

Submitted by the La Grange Business Association.