WEST LOOP — The first annual West Loop Art Festival will bring more than 150 artists and 30 live music acts to the neighborhood this weekend.
The family-friendly fest, the first of its kind in the West Loop, will be staged along Washington Boulevard between Aberdeen and Halsted streets from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.
The art fest will showcase the work of more than 150 juried artists from across the country in a variety of media, including paintings, glass, ceramics photography and jewelry. Artist Russ Riendeau's interactive sculpture "Everest Easel" will be on display.
Attendees will be asked to give an optional $10 donation upon entering the fest. The donation benefits the West Loop Community Organization, a delegate agency that works with residents and business owners to address the neighborhood's development and safety issues.
Art will be available for purchase until 7 p.m. both evenings, with music and food sales, featuring eats from Publican Quality Meats, Mas, Parlor Pizza and more, continuing through the close of each evening.
Two music stages will anchor the fest on the east and west ends of Washington Boulevard. The '80s cover band 16 Candles and DJ Jesse De La Peña are set to headline Saturday night, and Dave Matthews Band tribute band Tripping Billies and DJ Mark Grant will headline Sunday night.
Kids in attendance will be able to create their own artwork in the fest's interactive art tents with help from local artist Bryan Butler, Bennett Day School, Whitney Young High School, Steve & Kate's Camp, Cat & Mouse Games and LEEP Forward, said Carla Agostinelli, executive director of the West Loop Community Organization. POW! MMA & Fitness will offer a free series of "mini classes" throughout the weekend.
The West Loop Art Fest is sponsored by Google, developer Sterling Bay and Vocalo Radio and presented by the West Loop Communication Organization, Amdur Productions and Star Events.
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