How would you like to find all of your one-of-a-kind holiday gifts with one shopping trip this weekend? Do I sound like I’m dreaming? I promise, it’s not too good to be true! You’ll find original artwork in multiple mediums for sale during the Barrington Park District’s annual Showcase of Arts and Crafts on Saturday and Sunday.

This two-day event will feature mixed media arts and crafts, showcasing artists from the Midwest. The Showcase features original works of art unique to Barrington Park District exhibitors which have been juried by their Showcase Committee. Categories include but are not limited to folk art, photography, paintings, stained glass, ceramics, linens, wood working, jewelry and more!

The Barrington Park District has several rooms for you to view these creations, all on the main level which are handicap accessible. The show is held prior to the holiday “rush,” and is an excellent time to begin your Christmas shopping, or just splurge a little on yourself! For a preview, enjoy this photo gallery with snapshots of the Showcase and some of the artwork you’ll find on display.
Admission and parking are FREE and the show will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, November 8th and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, November 9th.

The Featured artist of the year at this weekend’s Showcase of Arts and Crafts is a Fox Valley folk artist by the name of Chris Robinson.
“My art background began with various classes in watercolor and oil painting. After many years, my love of folk art grew into my own self-taught folk art technique.
My artwork has appeared in numerous publications including “County Living,” Country Sampler,” and “Country Marketplace” magazines. It has also appeared on the cover of “Better Homes and Gardens” magazine. Various local newspapers and the “Chicago Tribune” have also featured my art.
I am a longtime resident of Elgin, and draw inspiration from the Fox Valley. Children and seasonal characters are often found in my paintings. I am known for my Santa’s, angels, goblins and turkeys. My mixed media includes acrylic and oil paint. I paint on canvas and vintage wood items and my artwork is original folk art, made by me, for you.”
This full list of this year’s exhibitors includes:
Lynn Abbott (Genoa City, WI)
3-D functional – art on gourds, carving, wood burning.
www.honeybeegourds.com
Nicole Yuen Augustine (Carol Stream, IL)
Handcrafted, vegan lotions, lip balms, body scrubs, etc.
www.kickasslotion.com
Mary Beth Bogatto (Palatine, IL)
Handcrafted jewelry.
Pat Braskich (Vernon Hills, IL)
Handpainted vintage furniture.
www.paintedwoodchairs.com
Al and Marci Brodsky (Vernon Hills, IL)
Marci B Sweet – handmade candy.
www.marcibsweet/facebook
Todd and Corinne Bucholz (Arlington Heights, IL)
Handcrafted cold pressed soaps and natural body butters.
www.tinyislandsoaps.com
Andy Burkholder (New Lenox, IL)
Photography (black and white/color).
www.andybphotoart.com
Cheryl Burseth (Bartlett, IL)
Goat milk soap.
www.bursethfarm.com
Valerie Burkholder (New Lenox, IL)
Soy candles/melts.
www.valeriesheavenlyscents.com
Kathie Chicoine
Abstract and nature photography .
www.kathie-chicoine.artistwebsites.com
Diane Chyler (Hinsdale, IL)
3-D Functional-Fiber – retro purses.
Nancy Cusick (Chicago, IL)
Handcrafted jewelry.
www.terraelementa.com
Pamela S. Dallstream (Lake Barrington, IL)
Primitive style antiques-boxes, lanterns, jars and Santas.
Bob De Palma (Crystal Lake, IL)
The Cheese Peddler – artisan cheeses.
www.thecheesepeddler.com
Tony Delisi (Lake in the Hills, IL)
Metals.
Lori Dutter (Cedar Grove, WI)
Mixed media – calligraphy, plaques, bookmarks, framed pcs., jewelry.
Jeff Emerson (Barrington, IL)
Photography.
Brian Faith (Crystal Lake, IL )
Handcrafted silver jewelry .
David Farber (Carpentersville, IL)
Nature/wildlife photography (framed & unframed), and note cards.
www.naturallyfarberphotos.com
Karin Galgano (Aurora, IL)
3D Functional – Mixed media – florals.
Lee Galusha (Chicago, IL)
Origami – ornaments, notecards, mobiles, shadow/treasures boxes, etc.
www.origamionly.com
John Hennessey (Round Lake, IL )
Mixed media – painting – wood.
www.thewhimsicalfarmstudio.com
Liza Hollis (Crystal Lake, IL )
Mosaic windows and stained glass sun catchers.
Brian Horan (LaGrange Park, IL)
Photography – black and white.
www.myeyeontheworld.etsy.com
Jen Hopwood (Barrington, IL)
Fiber – holiday and wearable.
www.myperennial.com
Grace Hsu and Andrew Lausted (Naperville, IL)
Graphic arts – poetry.
Linda Huff (Evergreen Park, IL)
Handcrafted jewelry.
www.rubylane.com/shop/lindalous
Erika Janssen (Algonquin, IL)
Handcrafted jewelry.
www.sevencenterstudios.etsy.com
Marilyn Kafenstok (Deerfield, IL)
Handcrafted jewelry.
www.etsy.com/shop/jewelrybymonarck
Amy Kathalynas (Genoa, IL)
Photography, drawings, glass.
www.utilizinadream.com
Elizabeth Kline (Chicago, IL)
Handcrafted jewelry.
www.eklinedesigns.com
Laura Knecht (Barrington, IL)
Mixed media – drawings, photos, calligraphy, watch jewelry.
Beata Krasuski (Palatine, IL)
Fiber art – scarves, purses, hats, etc.
www.beatassoulart.com
Sara Krikau (Elgin, IL)
Winter ski hats.
www.dinohaven.com
Sarah Landon (Crystal Lake, IL)
Acrylic paint prints.
www.etsy.com/shop/arcanuminheritance/
Mike Laugal (Barrington, IL)
Handmade candles.
www.barringtoncandle.com
Gaye Manisco (Huntley, IL)
Mixed media – faux fur purses, shrugs, framed art, sp. Towels.
Geri Meyer (Wauconda, IL)
Eggshell art, Christmas egg ornaments: personalized, and special orders.
Victoria Onorato (Chicago, IL)
3-D Functional glass.
www.kissedbythesuncreations.com
Sheila Papaioannou (Chicago, IL)
Handcrafted glass jewelry.
www.medusasStones.com
Elaine Paulson (Deerfield, IL)
3-D Functional ceramics.
H.A. “Perry” Perez (Arlington Heights, IL)
3-D Functional wood.
Anita Elaine Peters (Barrington, IL)
Handcrafted jewelry
www.fashionstones.com
Kathleen Pico (Wheeling, IL)
Knitted, crocheted and fabric clothing.
Julie Reitsch (Barrington, IL)
China serving pieces and jewelry.
Chris Robinson (Elgin, IL)
Mixed media folk art paintings, wood carved Santa faces.
James Sharp (Evanston, IL)
3-D functional – textile collages (recycled).
www.jamessharpart.com
Mike Sikorski (Round Lake, IL)
3-D functional – wood products
www.woodenitbecrafty.com
Paul Siracusa (Barrington, IL)
Cowboy hats, silver & leather jewelry
Tamara Soeder (Round Lake Beach, IL)
Handcrafted wine/coffee charms, jewelry.
www.avowjewelry.com
Annette Wodzinski (Mt. Prospect, IL)
Handcrafted chocolate marshmallow candies.
The Barrington Park District seeks to enhance the quality of life and the environment; to acquire, conserve, and protect natural resources; and to provide health and recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities in our community. For more information about parks, facilities, events, fitness, athletic and aquatic programs, visit BarringtonParkDistrict.org.and you’ll find the facility at 235 Lions Drive in Barrington.
