Peoria Fine Arts Fair Celebrates Fifty Years
By: Andrew Barra WMBD/WYZZ-TV
Updated: September 30, 2012
PEORIA-The Peoria Fine Arts Fair is considered one of the largest in the country.
And this year - it's celebrating its 50th anniversary.
WMBD's Andrew Barra shows us how it has become a popular stop for many traveling artists.
John Leben has been a digital artist for ten years. THIS is his job.
Leben says, "I am a professional artist. I come to these art fairs to sell artwork. That is how I make my living."
John travels the Midwest - showcasing his work. He has only been coming to Peoria a few years.
Leben says, "They way I learned about this show was from another artist five years ago. They said "Hey, you gotta try the Peoria Art Fair, it is a pretty good art fair."
One hundred and fifty artists from around the country come to the Peoria fine Art Fair each year. This weekend marks its 50th installment.
Arts Guild Director, Beth Reusch, says, "The artists come to the fair every year, because you get to see, experience, and purchase art."
People can come look at the artwork - and possibly take some home.
Reusch says, "You can purchase art here today or you can get to know the artist and call them later and commission a piece for yourself."
Leben adds, "Its kind of a community of artists that fo these shows. There's thousands of us, but you go from show to show and get to know a bunch of different artists. You share ideas with them, ways to set up your booth."
That is why Leben goes to art fairs. He has a passion for art. But it is also how he, and other artists, make a living.
Leben says, " I'm a professional artist - a way I make a living by selling my work. And I really enjoy coming here to Peoria to do this show. I get a real good reception here in Peoria."
The fine art fair is the Arts Guild's biggest fundraiser.
The money raised will help it open up its studio school next month.
And this year - it's celebrating its 50th anniversary.
WMBD's Andrew Barra shows us how it has become a popular stop for many traveling artists.
John Leben has been a digital artist for ten years. THIS is his job.
Leben says, "I am a professional artist. I come to these art fairs to sell artwork. That is how I make my living."
John travels the Midwest - showcasing his work. He has only been coming to Peoria a few years.
Leben says, "They way I learned about this show was from another artist five years ago. They said "Hey, you gotta try the Peoria Art Fair, it is a pretty good art fair."
One hundred and fifty artists from around the country come to the Peoria fine Art Fair each year. This weekend marks its 50th installment.
Arts Guild Director, Beth Reusch, says, "The artists come to the fair every year, because you get to see, experience, and purchase art."
People can come look at the artwork - and possibly take some home.
Reusch says, "You can purchase art here today or you can get to know the artist and call them later and commission a piece for yourself."
Leben adds, "Its kind of a community of artists that fo these shows. There's thousands of us, but you go from show to show and get to know a bunch of different artists. You share ideas with them, ways to set up your booth."
That is why Leben goes to art fairs. He has a passion for art. But it is also how he, and other artists, make a living.
Leben says, " I'm a professional artist - a way I make a living by selling my work. And I really enjoy coming here to Peoria to do this show. I get a real good reception here in Peoria."
The fine art fair is the Arts Guild's biggest fundraiser.
The money raised will help it open up its studio school next month.
