The 40th annual Art in the Barn Fine Art show is coming up from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday and organizers say they’re adding several exciting new activities to mark the event’s anniversary year. Art in the Barn is one of the major fundraisers sponsored by the Auxiliary of Good Shepherd Hospital which has donated more than $7.3 million dollars since 1974 to fund hospital improvements. This year’s net proceeds will support the hospital’s campus expansion and modernization project which started in October of 2013.
Art in the Barn has become a warmly anticipated fall tradition that draws thousands of people to Barrington every year at the end of September. Over 180 juried artists in a range of mediums are taking part. In three barns on the hospital grounds, you’ll find the artists proudly displaying their works for sale. That includes painters, jewelry-makers, sculptors, photographers, ceramics artists and woodworkers, just to name a few. For a taste of the one-of-a-kind pieces you’ll find, take a look at this sampling of works by the show’s featured artists.
The fine art show’s distinguished artists draw thousands from around Chicagoland every year, but the event will also feature children’s activities, young performers on the main stage throughout the day and plenty of food for all to enjoy.
Here’s what’s new this year:
“Chess as Art” presents Grand Master, Yury Shulman, who will be playing 8 games of chess simultaneously during art in the Barn between 12 and 3 both days. Mr Shulman is a former USA champion and President of Chess Without Borders , a not-for-profit that raises money for global and local causes. Look for Mr. Shulman near the children’s art tent.
“The Artist Speaks” is a new event featuring two artists who will each speak during the event from 2:00-2:30 each day. They will explain their inspiration, their process and their individual art. They are:
* Saturday at 2:00 Rick Canham (photography)
* Sunday at 2:00 Darlene Hoekstra (oil painting) Look for them at the “Weigh Station”
For kids, they will once again feature an art tent including art supplies, face painting, pony rides and a petting zoo!
Plus you will love this year’s selection of foods:
Chippy’s Kettle Corn Fresh Kettle Corn * The Great Grape Chocolate Covered Grapes * Kaleidoscoops Ice Cream * MJ Coffee Bar Coffee, tea, breakfast breads, & other snacks * Mr. Funnel Cakes Fresh made on site funnel cakes * Teri Shafer Mini Doughnut truck with fresh doughnuts on-site Brats * Hot Dogs * Veggie Wraps * PB&J * Carmel Apples * Chips * Cotton Candy * Soda & Water
Event Co-Chair Sharon Vogel says Art in the Barn attracts thousands because it appeals to all age groups. “The children love it, their parents and grandparents love it and it’s the perfect family outing. Guests sit on straw bales and they listen to music and watch performances by local groups like Bataille Academie’s dancers. It’s a fabulous fall fest that’s about enjoying art, family and the wonderful treasures waiting to be found.”
Art in the Barn began in 1974 when a group of ten women and local artists came up with the idea to help raise money to build the hospital here in Barrington. It started as a show with 30 artists and, this weekend, there will be about 180 artists displaying their works for sale with an expected 6,500 in attendance. The art will be featured in barns that were used as food testing sites when the hospital property was previously owned by Quaker Oats.
Art in the Barn will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 27th and Sunday, September 28th. Admission is $5.00 at the door and children age 12 and under are admitted for free.
You’ll find the festivities on the grounds of Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital at 450 W. Highway 22. That’s east of Kelsey Road and west of Rte. 59 in Barrington. For more information CLICK HERE to find Art in the Barn’s Facebook page or visit their website at artinthebarn-barrington.com.
