Mentesti Named Arts Faire Honorary Chair

The Midsummer Arts Faire board of directors announced that Jim Mentesti will be the event’s 2012 Honorary Chairperson. The 9^th annual Midsummer Arts Faire will be held on June 22-24, 2012 in Quincy’s Washington Park. The juried fine art exhibit and sale will feature over 50 fine artists from around the region.

As President of the Great River Economic Development Foundation, Jim was instrumental in helping MAF founders establish the event and raise awareness and funds. His personal support continues today. “The Midsummer Arts Faire is close to my heart. I’m pleased to participate as honorary chair in an event that I truly believe has become the premier celebration of arts in our area,” Jim says.

In addition to being the President of GREDF, Jim has served in a number of community leadership roles including; Charter Director of the Community Foundation of the Quincy Area; Quincy University Trustee Emeritus; President of the Quincy University Foundation; Past President of the Quincy Parks Foundation; Board Member of the Jackson Lincoln Swimming Complex; Past President of the First Tee of Great River; Past President of the Kiwanis Club of Quincy; Past President of Spring Lake Country Club; Board Member of the Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce; and Steering Committee Member of the Salvation Army Kroc Center.

Jim adds, “This event is great for the community and for the region and it is proof of the vibrancy of the arts in Quincy. A number of the artists exhibiting are from the region, but this community is supportive enough to draw artists from all over the country. That says a great deal about the amount of support this community shows for the arts.”

The Midsummer Arts Faire features artists from all of the tri-state area and the country representing a variety of media including glass, photography, painting, wood, jewelry, clay, drawing, fiber, mixed media and enamels. Artists are in their booths throughout the faire to talk to public about their work. Some artists offer demonstrations. 2012 participating artists will be announced on www.artsfaire.org in the coming weeks.

Complementing the fine art sale will be high-quality entertainment, the “Taste of Quincy” food court and expanded “Art for Everyone” hands-on art activities.

Fundraising letters have been sent to area businesses, organizations and individuals throughout the tri-states. A regional event of the magnitude of the Faire could not happen without the generous support of our friends and neighbors. For more information about donating to help grow the Faire and draw attention to our region’s high quality of life and love of the arts, please contact MAF Coordinator Rachel Henke at info@artsfaire.org or 217.779.2285.

ART FARE gift certificates are on sale now. The success of the faire depends on community involvement and one of the most important ways to participate is to purchase ART FARE before the faire opens. The gift certificates can be used at any artist booth throughout the weekend of the faire and are available in increments of $25. The purchase of ART FARE provides the guaranteed attendance and sales necessary to keep attracting high quality artists. This in turn allows the Midsummer Arts Faire to continue to grow and enhance the quality of life in Quincy. For more information and to purchase your ART FARE gift certificates, visit www.artsfaire.org or contact MAF Coordinator Rachel Henke at info@artsfaire.org or 217.779.2285.

The Midsummer Arts Faire is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council and made possible by a grant from the Community Foundation of the Quincy Area and the Paul H. and Anne B. Gardner Memorial Fund, the Katherine Broemmel Endowment for the Arts and the Samantha Otte Youth Opportunity Fund.

For more information about the 9^th Annual Midsummer Arts Faire and to view a complete list of exhibitors, entertainers, food vendors, and art activities, visit our website at www.artsfaire.org. SEE YOU AT THE FAIRE JUNE 22-24!