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Christmas has come early for Belleville’s ART on the SQUARE. The annual fine arts event has just received notice that in the 2007 rankings, ART on the SQUARE is #1 in the nation!
Every year several thousand art fairs take place around the country. Of these, about 600 are ranked and 100 are published by Art Fair Source Book in Portland, Oregon. In the top echelon, ART on the SQUARE is the youngest and smallest. Last year ART on the SQUARE placed #5 and was referred to as “the baby” of the top ten.
Greg Lawler, Publisher of Art Fair Source Book admitted, “I ran the tape several times just to make sure that the figures were correct. I just couldn’t believe that ART on the SQUARE was able to beat the giants. The other Top 10 shows are just so much older and larger. It is amazing what Belleville has accomplished.”
“This speaks volumes about our community of Belleville, Illinois” said Patty Gregory, Director of ART on the SQUARE. “”The vision for this event was shared by so many. As Mayor of Belleville, Mark Kern understood the meaning of art for a community. With his leadership, our partnership with the city was forged and continues with today’s Mayor Mark Eckert and the City Council. We are sustained by our major sponsors: Allsup Inc., the Belleville News-Democrat, KEZK, Y-98, and ART on the SQUARE is carried on the backs of our committee and countless volunteers. Belleville has a strong tradition of volunteerism and it is this passion that has now catapulted ART on the SQUARE to the rank of #1 fine arts fair in the nation!”
Begun in 2002, ART on the SQUARE attracts artist’s applications from across the country and around the world. About 1,000 applications are juried each year by an independent panel and 100 are chosen to participate in the event. In 2008, the artists’ tents will circle Belleville’s downtown Memorial Fountain on May 16, 17 and 18.
ART on the SQUARE encourages patrons to become part of the Pre-Purchase Art Cash program. Art Cash is sold in $50 denominations and can be used for art purchases at ART on the SQUARE. There is an equal exchange of dollars for art cash. It makes a unique and treasured gift for Christmas, birthdays or any celebration.
To purchase art cash, call 398-4482.
DeDe Farquhar Patty Gregory
Publicity Director Director ART on the SQUARE
ART on the SQUARE Phone: 618-257-0747
Phone: 618-397-6481 Cell: 618-960-9597
Cell: 618-514-1914
DfarquharD@aol.com
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