Last weekend was the Old Capitol Art Fair in Springfield Illinois! This free central Illinois event brings art-lovers and artists together at the Illinois Old State Capitol building. The fair featured amenities such as a Children’s Tent, food court and live music.
The art fair, founded in 1961, marked it’s 65th year on May 16 and 17. The goal of the art fair was to bring Illinois and neighboring states’ artists together, educate the public, create a cultural event for and a civic art collection for the city of Springfield. According to the Old Capitol Art Fair website, the event is one of the most popular juried art fairs in the country. A juried art fair is one where art is selected by a panel of judges in a competition. The art fair’s awards go to best in show, different categories of art, merit and Children’s Tent awards. Each year the event brings more than 30,000 shoppers and viewers interested in all different forms of art. Original works run the gamut from jewelry and watercolors to woodworking, pottery and more.
The Old State Capitol hosted the Illinois General Assembly from 1840 to 1876 and is currently in the midst of a comprehensive restoration effort.
You can find more upcoming events and information about the Old State Capitol here.
