Fine art, fine wines and local chefs take the stage at West End Arts Festival in La Grange on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 9-10

This free festival is held in the shadow of the landmark Stone Avenue Metra Station along Burlington Avenue between Brainard and Waiola avenues. Visitors may browse and purchase from some of the top juried artists in the Midwest with works that include oils, acrylics, photography, jewelry, pottery, fabrics and sculpture. There will also be a booth showcasing the work of art students from Lyons Township High School.

On Saturday, artists booths will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Evening entertainment and limited artists will remain open for browsing and purchase from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. On Sunday, the hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

New this year is a tent that celebrates the Art of Wine. Sponsored by FNBC Bank & Trust and Smothers Realty Group, the wine tent will provide a selection of 20 varietals from Louis Glunz Wines Inc and Union Wine Company along with commentary from wine sommeliers Rob Lehner and James Crooker, hosts of Wine Time on WIND radio. The wine tent is open to guests 21 and over on Saturday from 3pm - 7pm and Sunday from 1pm - 4pm. Tickets are $10 per person for four tastings, and attendance is limited.

Local retailers Vino e Birra and Cork, Keg & Spirits will be on-site to sell and take orders for bottles of wine. Ten percent of the total revenue from the sale of bottles of wine at the event will be donated to the Red Cross relief fund for victims of Hurricane Harvey.

Also new to the festival are walking tours of the eclectic west end area of La Grange hosted by the La Grange Area Historical Society. The tours will provide guests with some surprising tales of the village near the Stone Avenue Station. Tours will run on Saturday at Sunday beginning at 1:30pm and space is limited. Tickets may be purchased at www.lagrangehistory.org.

Several music groups will be featured on the Performance Art Stage throughout the weekend including the Elmhurst College Jazz Band on Saturday evening.

10am Trio Life

12pm Bazzscapes

2pm Side Project

4pm Kimi Hayes

7pm Elmhurst College Jazz Band

10am John Chadwick Trio

12pm Tank & the Beez

2pm Katie Nauss

Saturday will also feature a live art auction of 30 painted pine beverage coolers that have been on display this summer in La Grange as part of an outdoor art exhibit. The live auction begins at 6 p.m., and it will benefit local nonprofits including Pet Parade Charities.

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. The Park District of La Grange will provide free children's art activities, face painting and sidewalk chalk fun for all ages to enjoy from 1pm - 4pm both days.

 

Some popular local food vendors will also be at the festival including: La Buona Vita, La Cabanita, Nothing Bundt Cakes, We're Nuts and Victory Tap. Beer and wine will be available for purchase from Palmer Place.

The West End Arts Festival is held in partnership with the Village of La Grange and made possible through the generosity of local businesses including:

Baird & Warner, FNBC Bank & Trust, Smothers Realty Group, Chiro One Wellness, Republic Services, Gilmartin Legal, Keenan Homes, WDCB Jazz Radio, Dig Right In Landscaping, Linnea Jewelers, Horizon Wealth Management, Hinsdale Orthopaedics, Little People's Country, Vintage Charm, Anderson's Bookshop, Blick Art Materials, Bottle & Bottega, Bob Briskey Photography, Cheryl D. & Co, Kathy Dierkes State Farm Insurance, La Grange Art League, La Grange Area Historical Society and the Park District of La Grange.

 

For further information, please contact the La Grange Business Association at 708-582-6510.

 

The La Grange Business Association is a group of over 300 businesses, services and non-profit organizations that strive to energize and enhance the local economy through events, networking and advocacy.