The Plainfield Art League is moving beyond the confines of its gallery to bring high-quality art programs and exhibits to the surroundings communities.
At the same time, the group is offering an ever-changing flow of exhibits at its gallery to spur more involvement.
"By encouraging our artists to set up these high-quality public exhibits, I think we are starting to see a visible art community," said Sheryl Jones, president of the Plainfield Art League (PAL). "This has the potential to draw people into our community from a large geographical area."
From July to September, the league has scheduled several events and invites art lovers of all ages to attend.
For instance, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today, PAL will resurrect the "Art in the Garden" show at The Fields on Caton Farm, 1850 Caton Farm Road, Crest Hill. Artists from Plainfield and the surrounding suburbs will sell their works in many mediums (drawings, glass, mixed media, paintings, photography, pottery and sculpture) in the landscaping company's display gardens. The Fields' annual day lily sale will occur, too.
Added to the ambience from 1 to 4 p.m., instrumentalists will perform live, acoustic music.
"This is a small show that gives artists who normally don't participate in the big shows (an opportunity) to showcase their work," Jones said. "Our artists love that show because the setting is beautiful and we make it very artist friendly. Parking for the artists is nearby and they receive help setting up."
Beginning July 13, PAL will begin a new exhibit at the Plainfield Township Building, 1025 E. Lockport Road in Plainfield. This exhibit, Jones said, is part of a new, ongoing project to showcase eight to 10 artists for three months at a time. That building is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.
At the PAL gallery and school in downtown Plainfield, 24114 W. Chicago St., members participate in two-months- long themed exhibits.
The summer-related exhibit, "Sizzling," begins July 18 with an artist reception from noon to 5 p.m. That exhibit runs through Sept. 9.
Beginning July 13, PAL gallery hours are from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.
Another outdoor show is slated from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 1. A small group of artists will display their work, as well as paint or draw on-site, at Ida's Garden Paradise/Dahl Landscaping, 14960 W. 159th St., Lockport. Admission and parking are free.
On Sept. 5, PAL will host an Art at the Park event at the Village Green in Plainfield.
The group is working with Plainfield School District's art teachers to set up a student art exhibit at the Art in the Park exhibit, too. Jones said the goal is to continue to grow the relationship that began with a 40-piece exhibit in the district's administration building.
Such community art shows are now feasible because financial assistance from the Village of Plainfield and partly because membership is at an all-time high, Jones said. She said 75 artists currently belong to the Plainfield Art League.
"We have maintained a high level of activity in the past year," Jones said. "We are definitely breaking out. We have some exceptionally talented artists in our community, and as we get out there more, we will make them more visible to the public. From there, the quality of the art we produce here can only go up."
For more information, contact the Plainfield Art League at 815-436-4351, send an e-mail to info@plainfieldartleague.com or visit www.plainfieldartleague.com.
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