Fine Art Fiesta in the Park Winners Announced

West Chicago, Illinois: July 20, 2007 - West Chicago's annual Fine Arts Fiesta in the Park held during the community's blockbuster Railroad Days event last weekend harvested a diverse assortment of local art from talented individuals with a West Chicago connection. The cultural venue rounded out a schedule of events that succeeded in offering something for a wide variety of interests. It was coordinated by members of the West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission with assistance from staff at the City Museum.

Visitors to Reed-Keppler's Scout Cabin, where the art was displayed, enjoyed light refreshments while browsing the works of professional, amateur and student artists and voting for their favorites in each category. "There was great enthusiasm for the People's Choice Awards among those that strolled the Art Fiesta," commented LuAnn Bombard, City Museum Director. "It's a way to show appreciation and support to the participating artists."

The winners of the Fine Arts Fiesta 2007 People's Choice Awards are:

Student:

1st - Joseph Favia                    "Dream House" (pencil)

2nd- Benjamin Easley                "Self Portrait" (mixed media)

3rd- Richie McCloud                 "Iris " (mixed media)

Craft:

1st-  LeRoy Fennewald              "Nate WVHS Bat Boy " (wood carving)

2nd- Gene Gaede                       "Bird House #2" (wood)

3rd-  Lorie Reynolds                   "The Toymaker" (fabric)

Amateur:

1st- Gwen Hines                        "Warrior Shield" (fabric and acrylic)

tied for second place                                 

2nd- Mike Bodnar                     "Poppies" (oil)

2nd- Britta Renwick                   "I'll Always Take Care of You" (photo)

3rd - Mark Fortman                   "St. Mary's Church" (pen and ink)

Professional:

1st- Marge Hall                         "White Petunia" (oil)

2nd- Sharon Malec                   "Sierra Cascade" (fiber)

tied for third place

3rd- Fredericka Howard           "Schramer's Barn" (colored pencil)

3rd- Robert Korta                     "Bee Gone" (acrylic)

For more information, or to become involved in the activities of the Cultural Arts Commission, visit http://www.westchicago.org/ or contact the City Museum at (630) 231-3376.