50th Anniversary Wells Street Art Festival

Art enthusiasts are guaranteed to find plenty of inspiration at this annual prestigious summer tradition. Visitors can explore stunning and innovative works of fine art at the 50^th annual Wells Street Art Festival, on Wells Street between North Avenue and Division, June 14-15, Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. A diverse mix of over 125 juried local and national artists showcase a wide array of inspiring works that visitors can admire and take home.

Wander through artist booths in this summer festival that brings together exceptionally talented artists from across the country. Art lovers will see a variety of disciplines featured—traditional painting and sculpture, artisan woodworking and metalsmithing, ceramics, jewelcraft, photography, digital arts, and more. The Wells Street Art Festival continues to rank in the top 200 art festivals in the U.S. according to Sunshine Artist Magazine

Returning category winners and fan favorites are:

• Painting : Laura Junge (2nd place) – Expressionist. Chicago- Featured artist. Designed the Wells St. Art Festival Cover Art.
• Ceramics: Lou Pierozzi (Ist place) — Functional ceramics for your home- Chicago
• Functional Art Aleja Avila (1^st Place)– Handbags, Wallets
• Glass: Andrea Pazdan (1st place) — glass home decor based in Naperville, IL
• 3-D Mixed Media & Sculpture: John Denis (1st place)
• Works-on-Paper: Hiroshi Ariyama (2^nd place) – Chicago
• Photography-Timm Chapman ((1^st Place) – Landscape & landscape

Visitors can also sample tasty treats and savory bites from local restaurants and drink vendors including: Adobo Grill, Benchmark, The Fireplace Inn, Kanela Breakfast Club, Kamehachi, Orso’s,  and The Glunz Tavern, Cals Corner, Declan’s Irish Pub and The VIG.

Conveniently located steps away from the brown line “EL” train’s Sedgwick stop or the red line train’s Clark & Division stop, the festival takes over the heart of the popular Old Town neighborhood. Be sure to check out the Family Activity Area by the Franklin School (on Evergreen & Wells) for arts, crafts and more. In addition to artist booths and delicious food, visitors can enjoy entertainment on two stages from local bands and the Jesse White Tumblers.

A $10 suggested donation upon entry benefits Old Town Merchants & Residents Association. “We are so excited to be hosting this prestigious fest that celebrates the art community,” said Marcy Huttas, Executive Director of the Old Town Merchants & Residents Association. “Thanks to all fest attendees, the suggested gate donation helps to keep these annual fests going strong for all to enjoy.

To learn more visit: https://www.wellsstreetartfest.us/

Entertainment Schedule

Main Stage Entertainment at Wells & Schiller (1351 N. Wells St.)

Saturday
Noon – School of Rock Chicago
1:30 p.m. – Jesse White Tumblers
2:00 p.m. – SuperCreeps: The Music of David Bowie
4:00 p.m. – ‘Stache!
6:00 p.m. – Trippin Billies
8:00 p.m. – Sixteen Candles

Sunday
1:00 p.m. – The Reception
3:00 p.m. – The Strangers: A Tribute To The Cure
5:00 p.m. – iPop
7:15 p.m. – Rod Tuffcurls & The Bench Press

Choose Chicago Stage on Scott St.

Saturday
12:30p.m. – XOCHI
2:00p.m. – RAVIV – Electric Cellos
3:45p.m. – Pink Raspberry Cats
5:15p.m. – Sam Fazio 4
7:00p.m. – Rosie & The Rivets

Sunday
Noon – The Happiness Club
1:30p.m. – RAVIV – Electric Cellos
3:00p.m. – Fiddlerock!
4:15p.m. – Bear & Jake
5:30p.m. – The Leisure Committee

The Old Town Merchants & Residents Association (OTMRA) connects area residents, small businesses, and cultural organizations. Our goal is to continue Old Town’s evolution as a safe and vibrant location to live, work and laugh. The Old Town neighborhood on the North Side of Chicago is bordered by Clark Street to the east, Division Street to the south, Halsted Street to the west and Eugenie Street/North Avenue to the north. Learn more about OTMRA as well as Old Town’s vibrant shops and restaurants by visiting oldtownchicago.org

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