Established in 1948 by Mary Louise Womer, the 57th Street Art Fair takes place annually in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood. According to the 57th Street Art Fair's website, the event attracts 20,000 visitors each year and boasts more than 250 artists nationwide. Entrants use media including ceramics, jewelry, painting, photography, sculpture and woodworking. Awards range from overall excellence to newcomer prizes and awards in various media. An application is available on the 57th Street Art Fair website.
57th Street Art Fair
1507 E. 53rd St., PMB 296
Chicago, IL 60615
773-493-3247
57thstreetartfair.org
This art show takes place during the summer at the Algonquin Commons Shopping Center. Proceeds from the event benefit District 300's Foundation for Educational Excellence, which promotes quality teaching within the classroom. The art fair accepts 100 exhibitors. Entries must be original work, and reproductions may not exceed 30 percent of the total collection. Awards include ribbons and monetary prizes based upon media. Artists may apply by emailing the Algonquin Commons Juried Art Fair.
Algonquin Commons Shopping Center
1900 S. Randall Road
Algonquin, IL, 60102
847-458-2700
illinoisartfairdirectory.org
Founded in 1933 in La Grange, Ill., the La Grange Art League boasts a gallery and studio that hosts local and national competitions for artists in a variety of media. Entries include photography, oil paint, textile and watercolor. Awards range from themes, to best in show, to first through third place and honorable mentions. The La Grange Art League offers calls for artists based upon media or art genres through its website.
La Grange Art League
122 Calendar Ave.
La Grange, IL 60525
708-352-3101
lagrangeartleague.org
Founded in 2001, Art on the Square takes place annually, showcasing fine and performing arts in Belleville. According to Art on the Square, in 2010 it was ranked the premier fine arts show in the country by the Art Fair Source Book. Media include ceramics, textile, oil, acrylic and photography. Winning artists receive monetary awards based on best in show, memorial awards and for different media. Applicants may submit an online entry form to participate in the show.
Art on the Square
P.O. Box 23561
Belleville, IL 62223
618-416-3390
artonthesquare.com