Art on the Square’s Awards Brunch

On Sunday, May 17, 2015, artists, patrons and friends gathered at Bellecourt Manor to salute the best of the Art on the Square art fair. Patty Gregory welcomed Belleville’s Mayor Mark Eckert to join her in awarding artists in multiple categories and levels.

2015’s winners:

Best of Show – Jill Bedford

Ed L. Karasek Illinois Artist Purchase Award – Mary and Spencer Watson

Joan Voss Renner Purchase Award – Mark Stephenson

Mayor’s Choice Purchase Award – Yoram Gal

Barb King Jewelry Award – Jo Jennings

Rotary Club of Belleville Purchase Award – Wayne Trinklein

Best of Category Awards; Clay – Roberta Polfus, Digital/Graphic Design – Keith Grace, Drawing/Printmaking – Robin Lauersdorf, Fine Craft – Robert Farrell, Glass – Michael Mikula and Mark Sudduth (tie), Jewelry – Tom McGurrin, Mixed Media – Ella Richards and Chris Wheeler (tie), Oil and Acrylic – Brian Burt, Photography – Brad Pogatetz, Sculpture – David Bryce, Watercolor – Scott Hartley, Wood – Jeff Easley

Awards of Excellence – Joe Cyberski, Michael Mode, Daniel Powers, Chris and Katie Robleski, Beth Solomon, Tricia Young, Scott Wilson

Begun in 2002, ART on the SQUARE has become a meteor in the vast sky of fine arts venues. In 2004, it was named the Best Small Town Art Fair in America, and by 2006, it had climbed into the list of the top ten shows in America. In this rarefied atmosphere, it constitutes the youngest and smallest of the top tier shows. For the past several years, more than $1,000,000 of art has been purchased, and participating artists feel very pleased with their experiences. Several refer to Art on the Square as a “gem of a show where they do everything right.”

Founded by Patty Gregory, ART on the SQUARE is produced by over 600 dedicated volunteers. No one receives a salary, and all execute their appointed tasks with passion. Their mission remains clear. They are involved in a movement that brings a wide ranging cultural event to downtown Belleville. In the process, the community is enriched, pride is increased, and the physical and emotional landscape of the area has realized revitalization. Artists have commented that this art fair really motivates the town.

To learn more for visitor information, contact Cathleen Lindauer, Belleville Tourism Director, 618-233-6769 or 800-677-9255. For general information contact Kathy Kaiser , Publicity Chair, 618-444-3802. Or for artists information contact Julie Harvey, 618-398-4482 or by visiting http://www.artonthesquare.com/