The Arts and Community Events
Whether carefully planned, or completed in a frenzy of inspiration, works of art are fabricated from the gifted imaginations of artisans. What was at one point a mere thought in someone’s mind results in a thing of beauty, expression, and purpose.
Commonly thought to only exist in the recesses of a museum or displayed on a wall in a gallery, more and more festivals are the place where one may discover the next Van Gogh or Picasso. Communities all over the country are embracing this notion of bringing together a group of amateur and veteran artists. Deerfield has joined the mission to bring art to its public.
The Deerfield Fine Arts Commission has been a vital participant of the Deerfield Festival of Fine Arts. Featuring artists from all over the country and Europe, the festival has garnered much success in its history. As an official commission of the Village, the Deerfield Fine Arts Commission works with D&W Events to assist in the planning, with the Deerfield Park District also lending support.
This year, the Deerfield Festival of Fine Arts lined Jewett Park, the commuter parking lots, and Park Avenue. The festival was held from Saturday, May 30th through Sunday the 31st, according to Jeffrey M. Marks, Chair of the Fine Arts Commission. To accompany more than 90 artists booths, a wide selection of foods and beverages, as well as a diverse selection of musical acts were available to satisfy the 5,000 to 18,000 spectators that attend annually.
The featured artists booths were filled with colorful paintings, handcrafted furniture, inventive sculptures, original photography, glass creations, a myriad of unique jewelry, and much more. The Deerfield Festival of Fine Arts not only promises an enriching and enjoyable experience for adults, “There is also youth art tents supplied by the park district, along with hands-on painting for younger visitors,” says Marks.
“There is also an always well-attended preview party at the Village Hall, co-hosted by the Village and the DBR Chamber of Commerce, where selected artists exhibit some of their work, patrons get a sneak preview, amid wine and food throughout the Village Hall.”
Since 1998, the Deerfield Fine Arts Commission has been working diligently, “with a mission to encourage artistic and cultural leadership and to promote visual arts, dance, theatre, music, literature, architecture, and sculpture in the community.”
The Commission's dedication may stem from the thought that infusing the arts into a community can prove to be extremely beneficial. Introducing people to the creative world of the arts can surely generate education and inspiration, excitement, and pleasure. “Support of the arts is important to any village; all studies show that villages that support arts have smarter children, higher property values, and reflect a thriving growing community. The Village of Deerfield has been a strong supporter of the arts,” says Marks.
In addition to the Deerfield Festival of Fine Arts, several other events and festivities take place throughout the year. Family Days celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Each July, this popular affair is held in Jewett Park and is coupled with the Independence Day holiday.
A parade has forever been a part of the event. Arts and craft booths vend creative wares. Participants can join in the competitive flower show, dog show, children’s bike parade, or 5K mini-marathon. Local restaurants assemble to feed the masses. Fireworks are the perfect finale. “Thousands of people... keep coming,” says Judy Nelson, Chairman of the Family Days Committee. “I can't say enough about all the people you meet doing this and the fun you hear about everyone having.”
As school bells begin to ring and students jump back into studying, carefree summer days end. Luckily, before the weather becomes too brisk, Community Services Day in September provides a day filled with games, entertainment, and engaging educational demonstrations.
Many community service organizations take part in this event in an effort to teach the community about the services they make available to residents. “There were several events that the Police Department, Fire Department, Village, and Park District all participate in throughout the year that involve many of the same public resources. This included the Park District's touch-a-truck event and the Police Department open house. We discussed that we could combine all these individual events into one larger event that could showcase all the community services in a much bigger forum,” says Linda Anderson, Superintendent of Recreation of the Deerfield Park District. “Our hope was to make it a completely free special event for the community.”
Held at the Brickyards Park, “the event benefits the public, the community service organizations, and the numerous public services in Deerfield and Bannockburn. It allows all the public services to work together to provide a fun and educational afternoon for the residents of Deerfield.”
Spectators can check out the K-9 dogs of the Lake County Sheriff's Department, a fire demonstration of the Deerfield Bannockburn Fire Department, and tours of the flight for life helicopters and other vehicles from the other community service agencies.
The sixth year of the DBR Chamber of Commerce’s Lifestyle Expo will be held this year, showcasing “all types of services and products,” according to Executive Director Vicki Case. From 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., a select group of businesses “including banks, assisted living, healthcare, and home services” will assemble at the Patty Turner Senior Center to present their services to the over 50 population. “This event benefits our older population as well as their family members. The exhibitors at this event provide information on products and services designed specifically for this audience. Flu shots are also given out that day.”
As the snowflakes begin to fall, Deerfield gets revved up for the Winter Celebration, taking place the second weekend after Thanksgiving. Held in downtown Deerfield, the Village Center blooms with festive entertainment, a varied choice of fine restaurants and local eateries, holiday deals in the downtown shops, and much more. This winter wonderland is reminiscent of a favorite holiday movie complete with roasted chestnuts, photos with Santa, sleigh rides, reindeer, sparkling lights carolers, and baked goods.
“Activities are hosted at several venues, including Deerfield Square, Deerfield Centre, the Village Hall, the Deerfield Library, Deerfield’s Bakery, Starbucks Coffee, Deerfield Bank & Trust, Koenig & Strey, the Historic Village, and Jewett Park,” says Kent Street, Village Manager. “Celebrating Deerfield and our local community of fine business and services, benefits the residents and supports the businesses in Deerfield.”
Together, artists, singers, retailers, bakers, volunteers, community officials, and so many more, join forces to provide educational, entertaining, and engaging festivals and events for their neighbors and visitors to revel in year after year.
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