A butterfly sculpture by Olney, Illinois artist Anthony Slichenmyer will be on display during the Geneva Art Fair on Saturday, July 23, 2022 at South Third St. in Geneva. (Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com)
Visitors to the Geneva art fair last weekend saw a diverse range of art.
These included the artwork of Chicago artist Derek Christensen, who uses license plates to create portraits of famous people along with maps. The Geneva Arts Fair, coordinated by the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, took place on July 23rd and 24th at Third Street in Geneva city centre.
A US map created by Chicago artist Derek Christensen from portions of state license plates will be on display during the Geneva Art Fair on Saturday, July 23, 2022 at South Third St. in Geneva. (Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com)
Christensen likes the novelty of the art form.
“I just thought it would be different,” Christensen said on July 24. “You don’t see much of it out there. I just wanted to do something a little bit different I guess.”
He has made portraits of Michael Jordan, astronaut Neil Armstrong, and other notable figures.
“I’m just trying to think of people that I think are interesting, people that have made a difference,” Christensen said.
Steve Meadows’ whimsical folk art drew a lot of attention. He crafts his pieces from salvaged junk such as brooms, doorknobs, and bread pans. (Eric Schelkopf)
Steve Meadows’ whimsical folk art drew a lot of attention. He crafts his pieces from salvaged junk such as brooms, doorknobs, and bread pans.
His gallery, S.D. The Meadows Folk Art Gallery is located in Palestine in central Illinois.
“I just do my own thing,” Meadows said. “It’s basically a gift that was given to me. I owe it to God that he did that.”
Meadows goes to flea markets and estate sales to find the materials he uses to create his artwork. He enjoys seeing people’s reaction when they see his artwork for the first time.
“It puts a smile on everyone’s face when they walk in,” he said.
Meadows has been part of the Geneva Art Fair for several years. While it rained off and on on July 23, the rain didn’t keep people from the show.
“As soon as it started raining, people would leave, but as soon as the sun came out, people would come right back. It was incredible,” he said.
Bolingbrook’s Yolanda Franklin is a mixed media artist who uses a variety of materials.
Bolingbrook’s Yolanda Franklin is a mixed media artist who uses a variety of materials. (Eric Schelkopf)
“I use everything from Plexiglas sheets to textured paper made from mulberry bark,” she said.
She has been a professional artist for about 15 years.
“I was self-taught,” she says. “It was just a hobby that grew over time.”
Her latest works include silhouettes of women from the African Congo. Franklin said she was inspired by her strength and poise.
Visitors to the Geneva Arts Fair on July 24 also had the opportunity to hear guitarist John Ivan of Batavia play at the Geneva Winery along Third Street.
“It’s just great to be here,” said Ivan.
Visitors to Sunday’s Geneva Arts Fair also had the opportunity to hear Batavia’s guitarist John Ivan playing at the Geneva Winery along Third Street. (Eric Schelkopf)
The acclaimed guitarist was the winner of Musician Magazine‘s Best Unsigned Band competition and was nominated for Best Entertainer at the Chicago Music Awards.
