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SALUTE to ! of Salute Years 30 In today’s world, few things last very long, much less three decades. A new favorite eatery or shop closes after only a year or two; movies open in the theaters and are gone in a couple of weeks; and much-hyped “annual events” fade away after only a few seasons. So it is with much joy that we celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Midwest Salute to the Arts outdoor art festival in Fairview Heights! A visionary city government and strong volunteer spirit can be credited with the beginning and continued success of this event. According to the website, “It started more than 29 years ago when a former alderman, Gene Ellerbusch, visited the Mystic, CT Outdoor Art Festival and realized that Fairview Heights might be able to present a similar event. The City Council appointed Mrs. Billy McLemore as head of a committee to explore the possibility. The project had begun. Originally named the Midwest Salute to the Masters, the festival’s goal combined the community involvement of the Mystic show with the ultra-high standards of the Orlando, FL ‘Masters’ show.After much hard work and untold hours of planning, the first Midwest Salute to the Masters was held on October 1 & 2, 1988. It was received with both critical and popular acclaim!” Today, the show is known as the Midwest Salute to the Arts and will be held August 24 – 26 at Moody Park in Fairview Heights. Hundreds of artists from all over the U.S. apply to show and sell their work in nine media categories: Clay, Drawing/Printmaking (Graphics), Glass, Jewelry (Precious Metal), Mixed Media, Painting (Oil, Acrylics, and Watercolor), Photography, Sculpture and Fine Craft/Wood.Three judges, who are selected from the local
Arts community, narrow the entries to the final 100 artists and a few alternates. It “takes a village” to make it happen, or in this case, a city and community. More than 300 people volunteer each year, and the City of Fairview Heights is a major supporter of the event. A group of volunteers begin work on November 1 to prepare for the following August’s show, said Director Sharon Kassing. Volunteering is often a family affair. Kassing’s children began coming with her many years ago and were especially interested in choosing an original art piece at the Children’s Gallery. “My kids grew up volunteering at the show. They got to be hands-on with the artists and developed a love of art and being creative,” Kassing said. “I think that art is so important for all our children.” Although the art and artists are the main focus of the show, there are many more events to be enjoyed by all ages. In honor of the 30th Anniversary, Chesterfield, MO, artist Vesna Delevska has been commissioned to paint her vision of the festival on Friday and Sunday. She paints to music, and visitors are invited to watch the process. Arts & Crafts Demonstrations by the Artisan Guild of Southern Illinois, the Gateway East Artists Guild and the Belleville Woodcarvers will go on during the day on Saturday and Sunday, and the amazing Bubble Bus makes an appearance then, too. The Children’s Gallery still welcomes ages 5-13 so they can choose a piece of art for only $10, then visit the artist with their treasure. The Air Force Band of Mid America Mobility Brass Quintet from Scott AFB and Miss Jubilee, which plays hot jazz and blues from the 20’s and 30’s, are the featured entertainment Saturday evening and Rogers & Nienhaus perform Friday night. Great Day St. Louis will broadcast live for a “sneak peek” of the show on Friday morning. And of course, food and drink vendors will be ready to serve festival-goers during show hours. So, put on your party hat and bring family and friends to the celebration! For the full schedule of activities and festival hours, visit midwestsalute.com or Like @MidwestSalute on Facebook.
Artist Vesna Delevska
Vol. XI, Issue II, Fall 2018 • 3
