Art Spectacular was ranked in "The Best 200 Art Fairs in the United States" in 2015, 2016 2017 & 2018 by Sunshine Artist Magazine, the only art fair in Central Illinois with this distinction.
In 2018 Art Spectacular is in the Top 20 at #18!
The Mission: It is our mission to foster the appreciation and enjoyment of the visual and performing arts and cast bells. At Art Spectacular this will be done by combining beautiful original artwork by juried artists, in a beautiful park setting, with beautiful music by local musicians and one of the world’s finest carillons – for the sight and sound enjoyment of art lovers in the Central Illinois area.
DATES:
Saturday, September 14 - 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, September 15 - 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
(Held annually on the 2nd weekend of September)
ADMISSION:
Art Fair – Free; Kids' Place - $2/each
Free Parking in the Park and surrounding side streets.
Only Service Animals Allowed.
What is Art Spectacular? It is a multi-experience festival of art, music and children’s programs. Founded by Rees Carillon Society Board Member, Barb Walker, Art Spectacular is a professionally juried fine art and craft show featuring collector- and museum-quality works of art and crafts. Over two days, Art Spectacular attracts approximately 5,500 to 6,500 attendees. Works of art and crafts range from $50 to $7,500. In addition to a silent auction and gift basket raffle, the event also features hourly carillon performances and other performances by local musicians.
2018 YOUTH ART SHOWCASE
High School art students throughout Sangamon and Menard Counties competed to be included in the ten juried finalists who would display their artwork at Art Spectacular and be judged for cash prizes. Congratulations to the 10 Finalists and 3 Winners:
| Rose Andrews - Rochester High |
Shelby Beverly - Glenwood High |
| Monica Calder - Rochester High |
Paige Dowllar - Rochester High |
| Allorah Garner - Glenwood High |
Sydney Geyston - Rochester High |
| Jaimie Hefley - Rochester High |
Sam O'Connor - Glenwood High |
| Ana Sexton - Porta High |
Amanda Wayman - Rochester High |
(There is no charge to visit the Youth Art Showcase.)
2019 CALL FOR ARTISTS: Page 1 | Page 2
September 14-15, 2019
Who should apply? If you're looking for an art fair that is loved by artists and patrons, with great amenities, awesome volunteers, reasonable fees, and an on-site, available producer, then consider applying to Art Spectacular at the Carillon! We cater to artists! Art Spectacular is professionally juried for quality and balance in Fine Art and Fine Craft. Art Spectacular at the Carillon is held on the lawn of Washington Park in Springfield, IL. Washington Park is next to a wealthy neighborhood of art-buying, appreciative and knowledgeable patrons who love Art Spectacular, and provides a beautiful, aesthetically pleasing venue. Art Spectacular is extensively advertised in newspapers, TV, radio, billboards, patron invitations, newsletters, websites, signs, posters, flyers, e-mail, social media, and sponsors. 6,000 patrons from Central Illinois love this art fair for its size, quality of artwork, and balance of media. Featuring up to 50 artists, Art Spectacular also features a preview sale, patron bucks, demos, Kids' Place, Kids' Art Sale, Music, Food Vendor, Silent Auction and Gift Basket Raffle. Springfield is home to 4 universities, a community college, a school of medicine, a large medical community, the IL State Capitol, and the President Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Art Spectacular is a fundraiser for the world-class 67-bell carillon in Washington Park, one of the largest and finest carillons in the world.