Art on the Square named Top Art Festival for 2012Award granted in 2008, 2010, 2011 and 2012
Event Times |
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| Friday, May 18, 5 PM - 9 PM |
| Saturday, May 19, 10 AM - 8 PM |
| Sunday, May 20, 11 AM - 5 PM |
In 2010, Belleville's Art on the Square received another #1 ranking by Art Fair Source Book. This highly regarded art fair publication considered over 600 art shows from the thousands that are held every year and, once again, placed Art on the Square at the very top.
Beginning in 2002, Art on the Square quickly established itself as an up and coming new show. In 2004, it was named the Best Small Town Art Fair in America and by 2006 it was ranked in the top ten of all shows in the country with much older art fairs from very large metropolitan areas. In 2008, Art on the Square was #1 in the nation for the first time.
This all-volunteer effort is led by founding Director Patty Gregory, Co-Director John Rule, a board of directors and forty committee chairs who work year-long. Their only compensation is the satisfaction of working alongside hundreds of volunteers to produce a show that adds to Belleville's already great cultural heritage and tradition. They give of their time and energy because they're proud of their community and the national attention that the show has brought to this city.
Community spirit is the keystone of this May event. In addition to the large volunteer effort and the hospitality shown to all artists and visitors, the Belleville community participates in a very strong patrons' purchase program. In 2010, $88,000 in Art Cash was sold before the show opened guaranteeing the sales and attendance that make for a successful show. In addition, the 100-105 artists selected through a blind jury process are eligible for awards made possible from the $28,000 in prize money that is available.
Art on the Square connects with the Belleville community in other ways, too. To encourage and inspire young artists, there is an exhibit of the work of art students from high schools across southwestern Illinois as well as an Artist in Residence program that sends exhibiting artists into local schools to work with their students. In addition, a Sculpture in the City program has been established by the Art on the Square Foundation to place outdoor pieces throughout the city.
Art on the Square is indeed #1 in many ways, but its true value is that it is a reflection of the people, businesses, and civic organizations of this nearly 200-year old city.