The Arts Highland Art in the Park Two-day juried exhibit to feature works by 70 artists By KRISTA WILKINSON-MIDGLEY Of The Edge
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he community of Highland is rich in history and industry but did you know it also has a thriving arts scene? If not, then don’t miss your opportunity to view original works of art at the ninth annual Highland Art in the Park taking place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 13 and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 14. This two-day juried exhibit features work by 70 artists from around the St. Louis region in 12 categories, including watercolor, oil/acrylic, clay, glass, drawing/ pastels, fabric/fiber, wood, sculpture, photography, jewelry, graphics/printmaking and mixed media. Artwork will be exhibited and offered for sale in outdoor booths at Lindendale Park. Throughout the weekend, glass makers, plein air painters, wire sculptors and other artists will be holding demonstrations at their booths. In addition, local artist Sarah Walker will be creating a clay sculpture on-site. Upon its completion, the work will be displayed within the City of Highland for the enjoyment of the local community. Jurying for Art in the Park is conducted by a panel of experienced art professionals from around the region. A total of $10,500 cash prizes will be awarded in the 12 categories. This free event is produced by the Highland Arts Council, which promotes the arts in the community through a variety of activities and projects. One way is through the annual Art in the Park event, which showcases local artists while also providing an educational
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For The Edge
Pictured are two views of past events during Highland Art in the Park. opportunity for members of the public to gain greater exposure to the arts. “It started as a group of people that just felt we needed something to honor the arts in Highland. We have quite a few local people who do various medium in art and so they organized themselves and decided to put one on,” said Lynnette Schuepbach, chairperson of the Highland Art in the Park event and vice president of the Highland Arts Council. Schuepbach said Highland’s reputation as a warm and friendly small town helps to make this event a popular draw for both artists taking part and for visitors.
On the Edge of the Weekend
She said Art in the Park has seen a lot of growth in the past four years and estimated an attendance of approximately 9,000 people in previous years. “We are a relatively small community and you would be surprised at the world class art that we have here in this small hometown atmosphere,” said Schuepbach. “There are affordable things for everyone. It is not out of the reach of the general public to be able to purchase something.” Schuepbach said around a third of the artists are new each year so there’s always a good mix of new artwork in addition to annual favorites.
October 4, 2012
Kathy Gomric of Millstadt is one local artist who always makes a point of attending Highland’s Art in the Park. “They do a top rate quality show. They treat you very well. It’s like you’re going down to visit family,” said Gomric, who specializes in pencil drawings. “Artists really appreciate that when we do an art show.” “I love surrealistic fantasy. Real things in an unreal setting,” she said of her work. “When I take a piece of paper and start drawing, things start coming out of the shadows.” Gomric said she will have a large variety of pieces at the show, including a selection of animal
drawings in addition to her fantasy pieces. One piece is called “I Do” and features two oxen tied together by the rings in their noses. Gomric said she got the idea to draw them after seeing a couple of oxen at a rendezvous. She said it made her think of a married couple. She also liked the farming association, which is a big part of this region. “My drawings are never planned out. Life has taken me to where I am,” she said. The event will also include the popular Dueling Desserts on Sunday. This food-as-art competition and demonstration features artful, edible desserts prepared by chefs and culinary professionals within the bi-state area. As of press time, participating chefs included Pat Jacoby, owner of Patty Cakes in Highland and winner of TLC’s “Ultimate Cake Off” show during Season 2, and Eric Heath, co-owner of ClevelandHeath restaurant in Edwardsville. Vote for your favorite by dropping spare change into the jars and purchase samples of the chefs’ creations. All proceeds are donated to a food pantry operated by Highland Area Christian Services Ministry. Another popular draw is the Kids Kreation area where children can create their own art projects and have their faces painted for free. The Children’s Gallery allows any child up to the age of 18 to purchase artwork donated by exhibiting artists for $5. Music will be provided by Floyd and the Barbers on Saturday. Food and drink will be available throughout the fair. Art in the Park will be held in Lindendale Park located at the corner of Lindenthal Avenue and Park Hill Drive in Highland. The park is handicap accessible and parking is free. To learn more, visit http://www. highlandartscouncil.org/aitp_for_ the_media.htm or call 558-0054.