CW Notes

The Peoria Art Guild has announced the award winners for the 2009 Fine Art Fair held on September 26th and 27th on Peoria’s Riverfront. Cash awards totaling $10,000 were presented to artists who best exhibited quality, technique, concept and craftsmanship in their works.

Judges for the artist awards were Toni Sikes, founder of Guild.com, and Susan Weininger, Professor Emeriti of Art History at Roosevelt University, Chicago, Illinois.

“Best of Show” designation, along with $2,500, was awarded to Nathan and Amanda Grubich, Ludington, MI, ceramics.

“Award of Excellence” and $750 were given to the following 10 artists: John Herbon of Saint Ignace, MI, ceramics; Lynn Fisher of Bellaire, MI, ceramics; Randi Chervitz of St. Louis, MO, jewelry; Frederick Warren of N. Muskegon, MI, glass; Gayle and Glen Wans Of Kansas City, MO, photography; Julie Sutter-Blair of Belleville, WI, printmaking; Beryl Schmid of Indianapolis, IN, fiber wearable; Thomas McGurrin of Sanbornton, NH, jewelry; Mike Bose of Bedford, IA, ceramics; Leroy Bayerl of Marshfield, WI, wood.

“Honorable Mention” and an invitation to attend next year’s Fair were given to the following 10 artists: Neil Brown of St. Louis, MO, photography; Scott Wilson of Kansasville, WI, watercolor; Brenna Busse of Minneapolis, MN, mixed media 3d; Mary Smith of St. Charles, MO, Jewelry; Susan Mahlstedt of Kansas City, MO, jewelry; Lance Munn of Bloomfield, IN, wood; John Dove of Downers, IL, photography; Gayle Roche of Watsonville, CA, leather; Linda Steinworth of Stillwater, MN, jewelry; and Erica Stankwytch Bailey, of Fayetteville, NC, jewelry.

The Peoria Art Guild, one of the nation’s oldest visual arts organizations, exists to serve the community and artists through the exhibition and sale of contemporary artwork, to provide education and to promote appreciation of the visual arts. The Peoria Art Guild provides the community with art exhibits, art classes, original artwork for purchase or rent, and other special events such as the Fine Art Fair. Programs are partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.