What is Folk Art?

If you’ve attended past Country Folk Art Festival shows or if you’re planning to attend for the first time this spring, and you’re still not exactly sure what folk art is all about, we invite you to visit the booths of the following incredibly talented artisans and witness folk art in all its glory! Steve Meadows from Palestine, Illinois and Alan & Donna Baker from Chicago, offer some of the most imaginative folk art creations you’re likely to see! Steve takes ordinary, everyday items and transforms them into fascinating folk art forms. Alan & Donna Baker take folk art gourd-making to a whole new level, creating whimsical people of all shapes and styles that are sure to bring a smile to your face!

If woodcarvings are your thing, we’ll be presenting a long list of the finest, award-winning individuals, all of whom have been featured in the leading decorating magazines as the best in the business! Anthony Costanza will bring his ever-popular angels as well as historical figures and holiday-themed carvings. Vernon DePauw will be offering his fabulous carved eagles, many in the shape of the extremely “hot” Bellamy eagles that are so coveted by today’s antique collectors. Ed Pribyl of New Traditions Woodworks will present some wonderful carvings from America’s past including a new offering of Abe Lincoln, as well as George Washington, Benjamin Franklin plus many other fun characters. Also exhibiting will be Richard Kowal who will be showing his bird and fish carvings along with a new offering of carved roosters.

Textiles will also have a strong presence with Carole Collins, Lady of the Lake presenting her popular hand-quilted doll quilts and her husband, Hank’s folky hooked rugs. Joining Carole will be Jain Faries Robertson with her delightful hand-woven coverlets, place mats and runners. Virginia Bruns of Ginger Babies will offer her popular Victorian needlework, rag dolls, and summer bedspreads.

Have an antique chair without a seat? Bring your chair or a photo and show it to one of our newest show exhibitors, Bill and Bridget Morse of Seat Weavers. Bill will do many different types of seat replacement including cane, and rush. He will demonstrate his seat-weaving technique in his booth.

Looking for a floor covering other than a rug? You’ll want to visit the booth of Turkey Trot Workshops and see Rebecca Phillips selection of decorative floorcloths, made in the style of the originals that were produced 150 to 200 years ago. Floorcloths wear like iron, are easy to keep clean, and add a delightful touch to any room in the house that’s done in traditional or contemporary décor. Rebecca will also be bringing penny rugs and stenciled boxes.

We hope to see you at the spring Country Folk Art Festival on March 20, 21, & 22, at the new Kane County Fairgrounds Convention Center in St. Charles, Illinois. Keep watch for more “blogs.”

Judy & Lee Marks