The Beaux Arts Fair is marking its 71st year this Mother’s Day this weekend by offering a gift to the first 71 mothers to stop by the information booth at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds in Davenport.
Even if you or your mom don’t make the cut, however, there is plenty to see, do and celebrate at a two-day Beaux Arts Fair. It runs from Saturday, May 11 and Sunday, May 12 and benefits the Figge Art Museum.
The annual event this year features 80 booths peddling products created by artists from across the country. It has become an annual tradition for Quad Citians “looking to create lasting memories of Mother’s Day,” an event news release said.
Attendees are invited to “immerse yourself in a celebration of creativity and culture.” That includes exploring the juried handcrafted artworks. They include photography, jewelry, pottery, stained glass, fine furniture, sculpture created by artists from all over the country.
The Beaux Arts Fair Fund Committee is a nonprofit group of volunteers. It stages the Mother’s Day weekend fair. And it donates all proceeds to the Figge Art Museum to fund exhibitions and educational programs. The fair is free to the public and is held outside rain or shine. Items at all price levels will be available for purchase.
If you go to the fair:
Beaux Arts Fair hours are 10 a.m. t 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. The Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds is located at 2815 W. Locust St.
This year, the Quad-Cities Woodturners are scheduled to do a demonstration on Saturday.
As a juried fine arts and fine craft fair, awards will be presented in several categories. They include a $250 prize for Best of Show. There also are $50 prizes in various media. They are: Clay, Drawing/Printmaking, Fiber/Leather, Glass, Jewelry, Mixed Medium, Painting, Photography, Sculpture and Wood.
“We are proud to bring together a diverse array of artists, offering attendees a chance to explore a wide range of artistic expressions,” Beaux Arts Committee President Linda Hardin said in the release.
“This event is a testament to the vibrant arts community in the Quad Cities, and we’re delighted to support the Figge Art Museum’s ongoing commitment to art education,” she added. In addition to free admission, food and drinks are available for purchase.
Visit www.beauxartsfair.com for more information. Save the date for the Fall Beaux Arts Fair at the Figge Art Museum’s Bechtel Plaza on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 7-8.
