100+ Fine Artists, multiple live music performances, exciting interactive art activities - these are all elements of the 26th Annual St. Charles Fine Art Show! Taking place on Saturday, May 25th from 10am-6pm, and May 26th from 10am-5pm on Riverside Avenue in downtown St. Charles, you can experience all the vibrant works of art, plus a ton more, at this renowned community event. We're here to let you know everything you need to know to make the most out of this Memorial Day Weekend, along with some of our initiatives to make our events more eco-friendly!
Stay the Night
Photos Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography.
There's a lot taking place at the St. Charles Fine Art Show on both Saturday and Sunday that you don't want to miss. If you're traveling from out of town to attend this event, you'll need to book a place to stay. Whether you're looking for downtown hotel, like the luxurious, historic Hotel Baker, or finding a room at one of our 9 outstanding hotels outside the downtown area, you'll have plenty of options to fit your accommodation needs.
Art Show
Photos Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography
Since this is a Fine Art Show, it only makes sense that the main attraction of the event is all the Fine Art that you can admire! With over 100 Fine Artists from all over the country, showcasing their best works in a variety of mediums, saying there is a lot to look at is an understatement. You'll undoubtedly be in awe as you gaze upon all the unique works of art, creating by some incredible talented artists.
Photos Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography
Another thing that makes this community event so special is the excitement from the artists themselves! Last year, we had the opportunity to speak with Acrylic Artist, Karri Jamison, and Jewelry Artist, Phil Troyer, on their experience at the Fine Art Show on the What's Up St. Charles Podcast (which you can listen to here),"The first year I did the show the patronage was astounding - I knew I had to keep coming back because it was so good. I do about 18-20 shows per year and have for the past 15 years or so. At the St. Charles Fine Art Show, we're always treated as professionals, and everyone is always so kind, generous and supportive, and everything is run efficiently," said Jamison.
Photos Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography. Artists in Photos: Photo 1 - Laurie Pollpeter Eskenazi. Photo 2 - Jack Kraig
We are thrilled to announce that we have many returning award-winning artists from last year's show! Below are the returning artists that you can catch once again this Memorial Day Weekend!
Aaron Sault, Jewelry - Award of Excellence | Rahmon Olugunna, Oil Painting - Award of Excellence |
Laurie Pollpeter Eskenazi, Ceramics - Award of Excellence | Jack Kraig, Photography - Judges Award |
Skeeter Aschinger, Sculpture - Award of Excellence | Karri Jamison, Acrylic Painting - Judges Award |
To view the complete list of Fine Artists in the 2024 St. Charles Fine Art Show, please click the button below.
Photos Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography
Plan on making some purchases at the event? If so, be sure to hold on to your receipts! Thanks to the Arcada Theatre, the Artcada Purchase Program is back once again! The program is simple: once you spend $250 or more at the St. Charles Fine Art Show, take your receipts to the volunteer tent to receive a voucher for two show tickets at the Arcada Theatre!
Art Activities
Photos Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photograhpy
At the 2024 St. Charles Fine Art Show, you can transform into a brilliant fine artist yourself with an array of art activities. On both days of the event in Jeep Activity Zone, you'll be able to paint your very best masterpiece on a car! (Yes, you did read that right). Thanks to St. Charles Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and the St. Charles Arts Council, there will be car that you can use as your canvas! All Things Art will also have a table where you can partake in a variety of different arts and crafts that children will love, all while developing and refining their artistic ability. Please note that some activities may have a cost to participate.
What Part of the St. Charles Fine Art Show Are You Most Excited For?
Admiring the Fine Art
Listening to the Entertainment
Taking Part in the Interactive Art Activities
Enjoying Art and Music on the Plaza
Live Music
Photos Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography
Amazing art plus fantastic music performances? Yes, please! As you're strolling through all the amazing artist booths, you'll get to hear the sounds of live music throughout the air on both days of the event! On Saturday, you can enjoy music from Matt Keen at Flagship on the Fox from 11am-2pm, and Riley Bros. from 3pm-6pm. At Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling, Samuel Wyatt will be playing from 10am-1pm, and Billy Denton from 2pm-5pm. The following day at Flagship on the Fox, you can listen to music from Brian Castillo from 11am-2pm, and Shea Marie from 3pm-6pm. You can also hear Afternoon Logic perform from 10am-1pm at Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling, and Nicole Devine from 2pm-5pm.
Art & Music on the Plaza
Photo 1 Courtesy of Alex Puryear. Photo 2 Courtesy of FLEX Trio
This year, we have a brand new element to the St. Charles Fine Art Show to showcase the newly renovated 1st Street Plaza! Relish in the fusion of art and music as artist Alex Puryear brings the rhythm to life on canvas during both days of the event. His work explores the universal experience of existing in various artistic styles. From 1pm-3pm on Saturday, Alex will be joined by 13 Days - a band who has been playing throughout the Fox Valley since 1998, playing your favorite rock tunes, as well as oldies, pop, and even a little country! On Sunday from 1pm-3pm, the FLEX Trio will be performing. This trio is composed of three of Chicago's finest improvers: saxophonist Chris Madsen, drummer Neil Hemphill, and two-time Grammy award-winning bassist Clark Sommers.
Around Town
Photo 2 Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography
While you're spending the weekend downtown, be sure to stop by the amazing local businesses that call St. Charles home. In honor of the Fine Art Show, many businesses will be hosting sales, specials, and promotions that you don't want to miss out on. Plus, with events place like the Chicagoland Gems & Mineral Show taking place at the Kane County Fairgrounds the same weekend, you can be assured that there is a ton to do if you need a quick break from the Fine Art Show. Click below to view events and promotions taking place over Memorial Day Weekend, and be sure to keep checking back, as more and more specials will be added as we get closer to the event.
While you're enjoying admiring all the works of art at the 2024 St. Charles Fine Art Show, be sure to make some time to explore the Fox River and all the activities it allows. Click here to learn more about how you can take advantage of one of St. Charles' greatest natural resources.