It’s almost time to shop for one-of-a-kind works of art. It’s almost time for the Spring Beaux Arts Fair.
The Mother’s Day weekend tradition is set for Saturday and Sunday, May 13-14, at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds, 2815 W. Locust St., Davenport. The fair will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday. Admission is free.
The fair will include a wide variety of artworks with almost 100 booths, including photography, jewelry, pottery, stained glass, fine furniture, sculpture, and more created by artists from all over the country. A profile on many of the artists scheduled to be on hand can be found here. In addition, visitors will find food and drink available to purchase.
This year’s celebration will mark an important milestone for the arts fair as it marks its 70th anniversary. Seventy years ago, a group of art enthusiasts in a Sunday sketch club had an idea to raise money in support of the Davenport Municipal Art Gallery (now the Figge Art Museum), which resulted in the Beaux Arts Fund Committee. This non-profit group of volunteers launched a costume ball as a fundraiser that eventually became the Beaux Arts Fair.
“So much has changed during the fair’s 70-year history, but the one constant is the high-quality artwork the participating artists present year-after-year,” Beaux Arts Committee Member Linda Hardin said in a news release. “We are thrilled this event continues to be a draw for the community.”
This juried fine art/fine craft fair is free to all who attend with all proceeds from the fair benefitting the Figge’s educational programs and exhibitions throughout the year. Awards are presented for Best of Show, Clay, Drawing/Printmaking, Fiber/Leather, Glass, Jewelry, Mixed Medium, Painting, Photography, Sculpture and Wood.
Also, the fall Beaux Arts Fair has been scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 19-20, at the Figge Art Museum’s Bechtel Plaza. The new date will coincide with the Alternating Currents Festival in downtown Davenport. Visit www.beauxartsfair.com for more information.
