Fine Arts Fair inspires creativity in Frankfort

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Linus Erbach, Urbana, and Marcella Nowak, Glen Ellyn, look over Marjorie Boyd's watercolors. | Ginger Brashinger~Sun-Times Media

Updated: January 23, 2012 2:45AM

Summer finally had some staying power Saturday for the Frankfort Fine Arts Fair on Breidert Green, Kansas and Ash Streets. The eighth annual event brought out a steady stream of visitors to view, purchase and visit with nearly 30 local artists during the five-hour event.

“It’s growing every year,” Frankfort Square artist Mary Ann Trzyna said. “I think we’re getting more people coming just for the fair rather than discovering it by accident.”

Marcella Nowak, of Glen Ellyn, said that’s exactly what her family had done.

When family and friends were getting together for a birthday celebration and wanted to find a halfway meeting point with activities for all ages, they said, “Let’s go to Frankfort,” Nowak said.

Artists provided patrons with the variety they were looking for, from glass blowing to photography to artisan-crafted jewelry. Several artists offered hands-on activities and demonstrations for those interested in what goes into the finished product.

Frankfort artist Becki Moffett-Moore intrigued Hayden Neetz, 9, and Abbey Neetz, 12, while she created “Face Value Clay,” each a unique piece with a bit of personality.

Monique Neetz, 19, said the art show is her favorite Frankfort activity, but the Neetz family agreed there was something for everyone throughout the summer.

“We come to Frankfort for the art fair every year and for the farmers market and the car show,” Monee resident Ron Neetz said. Margaret Sabo, of Homer Glen, said her visit was about more than just her own artistic interests, although she is “always looking for items that I can use in my garden or in my home.”

“I’m looking for vendors for the Homer Harvest Days Fest,” she said. “I think it’s a quality fine arts fair here, and it’s held in an appropriate location. It seems to have a good attendance, too.”

For those who love the musical arts, harpist Jackie Jast performed for morning patrons, and the Alex Blomarz Jazz Quartet filled the afternoon with sultry sounds to match the summer heat.

WineStyles, 20290 S. LaGrange Road in Frankfort, offered a tasty respite in their big white tent on the Green with free wine-tasting from 1 to 3 p.m.

Marjorie Boyd, a 27-year Frankfort resident and calligraphy, water color and collage artist, said she has “done most” of Frankfort’s fine arts fairs during the past eight years. Boyd said she doesn’t want to miss it and has even had family fill in for her when she wasn’t available.

“Every year is a little different,” she said.