Attending the Lake Meadows Art Fair is a fun affair for the entire family, making a perfect way to celebrate Father’s Day weekend.
11th Annual Lake Meadows Art Fair Father’s Day Weekend
edited by Kai EL’ Zabar
Chicago is currently in full swing with its weekend festivals and outdoor celebrations. In keeping with this Chicago summer tradition, the much anticipated Lake Meadows Art Fair will be held on Father’s Day Weekend, Saturday and Sunday, June 18 and 19, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the Bronzeville community at 33rd Street and Martin Luther King Drive across from the Lake Meadows Shopping Center. More than 25 locally and nationally acclaimed fine artists, jewelry makers, clothing designers, artisans and vendors of specialty items and collectibles will be showcased at the fair.
Helen Y. West, curator and executive producer of the art fair, welcomes the many talented artists and artisans representing the beauty and brilliance of the African-American heritage and culture. “Once again we celebrate the richness of our culture and show support for those who help to keep this culture alive through their beautiful paintings, sculpture, ceramics, photography, wearable art apparel, jewelry and more,” said West. “This year, we will take time to pay tribute to fathers and invite couples and families to visit and enjoy the Lake Meadows Art Fair together,” she added.
Each year, the Lake Meadows Art Fair presents a featured artist. The 2016 honoree is the esteemed Mark Richardson, a native of Chicago’s Bronzeville community. Mark has a diverse body of work and the influences of Romare Bearden, Archibald Motley, John Biggers, Pablo Picasso and Ernie Barnes are seen throughout his creative expression. His art can be found in galleries, major art shows and exhibitions nationwide and in the private collections of many.
Outdoor Atmosphere
The accompanying music fills the Lake Meadows Art Fair enhancing its outdoor atmosphere throughout the weekend. Beginning at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Joan Collasso’s Timeless Gifts, a group of talented youngsters and teenagers, will amaze and inspire the audience when they take center stage.
Sunday’s opening, live performance will begin at 3 p.m. as the Kinari Allison Ensemble, led by youthful percussionist Kinari Allison, brings a range of jazz and popular music to the stage. Allison is a dazzling performer who often uses his drumsticks to make music on any objects in his range, including the steps and speakers.
Nannette Frank will grace the Lake Meadows Art Fair stage at 6 p.m. on Sunday for the first time. Known as “one of Chicago’s jazz greats” by WGN Morning News, Frank will wow the crowd. With an impeccable five-octave range, Frank is the voice behind such major brands as Coca-Cola (Always Coca-Cola) national radio and television spots. In addition to her vocal skills, she is also a songwriter, vocal arranger and producer. She has toured with Stanley Clarke, Herbie Hancock, Alex Bugnon, The Jazz Crusaders and the late Jon Lucian.
DJ LaRay Reddin keeps the music flowing throughout both days with a combination of jazz, R&B, old school, funk and hip hop.
Attending the Lake Meadows Art Fair is a fun affair for the entire family, making a perfect way to celebrate Father’s Day weekend.
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