There’s one place in Oak Park where you’re guaranteed to always find something unique: the Harrison Street Arts District.
This weekend, art lovers and festival-goers alike can mingle in the annual What’s Blooming on Harrison Street, which kicks off 6-10 p.m., Friday, May 17, and runs from 10 a.m.-8 p.m., the following day.
The fest highlights the Oak Park Arts District with a unique blend of artist demonstrations, music and dance performances. It also features a juried art fair with guest artists and crafters. Special events will be held in many of the galleries, shops and restaurants on the street. Saturday offers stages for dance and music, a family fun activity center, food vendors, artist booths and carnival rides all for free.
The theme this year, “Spring,” showcases fresh ideas and activities throughout the district. At Art Gecko, families can create shoebox-sized floats for the Petite Parade Float on Saturday afternoon.
Other featured works and events include: Beatles-inspired art at Harrison Works; artwork by Concordia students at Dancing Krow Studio and Third Friday Gallery; a felt painting demonstration at Pamela Penney Textile Arts; and drop-in workshops at Bead In Hand.
Eateries in the district will offer new foods. Eastgate Café features a variety of musical acts throughout the weakened. Buzz Café hosts a prix fixe dinner Friday with a jazz/R&B vocalist. Val’s halla Records sponsors a lecture on Beethoven (God or Monster?) by Oak Park musicologist David Patterson.
For more information about activities during What’s Blooming on Harrison, visit oakparkartsdistrict.com.
