The Oak Park Fine Arts show is sponsored by the American Society of Artists. The show is always…read moreheld in August. This year, it is August 16 and 17 (Sunday, 9 am to 5 pm). We have been to this art show several times over the years. I love this art show for many reasons. First, the Artists are very creative and down-to-earth and excited to discuss their art pieces. I always enjoy hearing the story behind HOW an Artist got the inspiration to create a piece of art. I always ask the Artist questions and they are always happy to answer them which I appreciate. Second, this Art show is just the right size and you can actually view all art exhibits (from beautiful Artisan sterling jewelry to sculptures, to photographs, paintings and art work made from tiny tiles creating an actual picture as well as beautiful and colorful handmade unique tote bags, handbags, scarves and so many other things) in under 2-hours! Third, parking is easy and, best of all, it is FREE on Sunday (if you park on the street). This Fine Arts and Craft Show is now in its 40th Year!
We checked it out on Saturday, but it was too hot/humid so we left within 45-minutes without a purchase. There were less than 50 exhibits/artists which made the event nice and easy for viewing all the exhibits. This Art & Craft Show is held in Scoville Park at the corner of Oak Park Ave and Lake Street. Although we didn't stay long we stopped off at our favorite Venezuelan restaurant, Aripo's on Marion Street, and enjoyed a very good lunch. The food is hearty, incredibly reasonable and service is always hospitable and warm. This is a mom and pop operation. Best of all, the food is incredibly flavorful, perfectly seasoned and the meat is melt-in-your mouth tender. It is worthy of 4-stars!
We found a free spot on Oak Park Ave on both days. We were really lucky! I also like the fact that there tons of restaurants nearby. We returned Sunday, and stayed for 2-hours. It was an overcast, dismal day, but there was a nice breeze which made it nice for staying longer. Afterward, we walked over to Erik's Deli (I wrote a review for Erik's Deli) for sandwiches.
There are so many art and craft exhibits in Chicago and the suburbs during the summer months. My two favorites are in Oak Park, IL and Evanston, IL. The price-point for the arts & craft shows varies from moderate ($$) to expensive ($$$$) depending upon what you purchase at the Fine Arts Show. This is a great Fine Arts Show, because it is family friendly and dog friendly. There were so many beautiful pieces of Artisan jewelry, but I didn't purchase any jewelry. We ended up purchasing a beautiful Fall painting with bold colors. The Artist was very friendly and took the time to talk with us about her work.
If you cannot find legal parking spot on the street, head over to the Oak Park Public Library (Lake Street just a bit west of Oak Park Ave), and walk over to the Art & Craft exhibit. I am not 100% sure if parking is FREE at the library parking lot on Sunday. However, I do know that if you are at the library parking lot less than two hours it is only $1 -- if you are there for over 3-hours it is 5 bucks-- still a lot cheaper than getting a parking ticket from an Oak Park cop! If you missed this show, you can always check out the Park Ridge Art Show which is also sponsored by the American Society of Artists, September 20, 2014 from 9 to 5 pm.