Thousands of people visited the new Arts on Sheridan festival in the Sheridan Road and Central Avenue historic district over two consecutive weekend event days starting June 14.
Amdur Productions, founded by arts festival producer Amy Amdur of Highland Park, presented the new arts opportunity to help showcase the picturesque residential and business district east of Highland Park’s railroad tracks.
The weather on Saturday was 65 degrees and overcast with some sun peeking through the cloud cover. Amy Amdur said 100 booth holders offered wares. Three musical groups performed on each day.
“We’re really excited to bring a hometown arts festival to the community,” Amdur said on Saturday.
“This part of town has really amazing historic architecture, and I think the whole setting creates a certain ambiance.
“It’s charming and it’s unique,” Amdur said.
Arts on Sheridan is about one-half the size of the Port Clinton Art Festival, also held in Highland Park. The Port Clinton Art Festival has a four decade plus history. This year’s weekend Port Clinton Art Festival is Aug. 23 and Aug. 24.
While Arts on Sheridan is new, what was also new was the presence of vibrant handmade poster signage to rival wall art on Saturday from the No Kings peaceful protest a few blocks away at City Hall (1707 St. Johns Ave.).
“We saw everybody walking to the protest so I was hoping they would come here afterwards,” Amdur said. “And they did.
“People need the calm.”
A popular attraction was the midway section featuring food, live music and an arts area for kids. A vendor who specializes in large bubble art drew in parents and young fans, including Kinsley Neville, 1, of Highwood.
Kinsley had a custom “Baby’s First Protest” small sign.
Kinsley’s mother Lily Neville said Arts on Sheridan is “amazing.
“It’s been wonderful.
“To see community members coming together for a protest and then get to enjoy beautiful art and culture is wonderful,” Lily Neville said.
“It’s what democracy has to offer, a protest and an art fair,” said Lily Neville’s sister, Lauren Beslow of Northbrook.
Elsie Guy, 6, a rising first-grader from Highland Park, also played at the bubble art vendor tent.
“We’re having a lot of fun,” said Elsie’s mother, Maggie Guy. “The artists have been very welcoming and friendly with Elsie.”
Bill Steed of Oak Park and Jean Forbes, also of Oak Park, were among festival patrons. During college, Steed worked as a courier for the Ravinia Festival in Highland Park.
“It’s an absolutely beautiful show,” Steed said. “It’s one of the nicest that we’ve ever been to, and the atmosphere is great too.”
The Arts on Sheridan Best in Show green ribbon award winner was 3D artist Skeeter Aschinger of Pompano Beach, Florida, formerly of West Suburban Aurora.
Patrons, “are very receptive,” Aschinger said about Arts on Sheridan. “It’s very nice.”
Visit https://amdurproductions.com/port-clinton-art-festival-artist-info/.
