Art on the Square returns to downtown Belleville May 15-17

Art on the Square returns May 15-17 for its 24th year in downtown Belleville.

This year’s event features the works of 100-plus artists from more than 27 states and one international artist.

In addition to a variety of artworks in multiple mediums, the annual art festival offers refreshments, entertainment and activities for all.

The Gateway East Artists Guild (GEAG) will host artist demonstrations throughout the weekend. The event will also feature works by high school students. These works will be reviewed by judges, and an awards presentation will take place on Sunday.

The Children’s Art Garden, located on the northwest corner of the Public Square, will include activities from face painting to mural painting, arts and crafts projects, math activities and more.

Art on the Square takes place 4-9 p.m. Friday, May 15, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 16, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 17. Admission is free. The event does not allow pets.

Friday, May 15

• 4-8 p.m. – GEAG Artist Demonstration: Terri Cheatham, wire weaving
• 4-8 p.m. – GEAG Artist Demonstration: Harriet Zipfel, Calder style mobile
• 4-9 p.m. – High School Art Show at the Mathis, Marifian and Richter (MMR) building, 23 Public Square
• 5-9 p.m. – Wine Court Entertainment: Louis Michael (outside the MMR building)

Saturday, May 16

• 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. – GEAG Artist Demonstration: Shelley Loring, soft pastel or oil painting
• 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. – GEAG Artist Demonstration: Michael Anderson, acrylic
• 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. – GEAG Artist Demonstration: Peggy Derhake, mixed media
• 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. – High School Art Show at the MMR building
• 11 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. – Wine Court Entertainment: Don James and Friends
• 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Children’s Art Garden
• 1-4 p.m. – GEAG Artist Demonstration: Dave Carriel, photography
• 1-4 p.m. – GEAG Artist Demonstration: Betty Burgmann, acrylic/acrylic markers
• 1-4 p.m. – GEAG Artist Demonstration: Jay Burgmann, watercolor/gouache
• 2:15-4 p.m. – Wine Court Entertainment: 2Pedros
• 4-7 p.m. – Closed for GEAG annual show at Green Root Gallery, 125 E. Main St.
• 5:15-8 p.m. – Wine Court Entertainment: The Philosophers
• 8 p.m. – Awards Presentation (tickets required), Lincoln Theatre, 103 E. Main St.

Sunday, May 17

• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – GEAG Artist Demonstration: Cori Frerichs, watercolor
• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – High School Art Show at the MMR building
• 11 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. – Wine Court Entertainment: Jazz Tonite featuring Beth Duffy
• Noon – High School Art Awards Ceremony at Lincoln Theatre
• Noon to 4 p.m. – Children’s Art Garden
• 2-5 p.m. – GEAG Artist Demonstration: Suzy Kunz, drawing
• 2:15-5 p.m. – Wine Court Entertainment: Street Corner Serenade

Partake of food, beverages

Food and beverages will be available at two locations throughout the weekend. Look for Café on the Square at the northeast and southeast corners of the Public Square.

Offerings will include:

• Beast Craft BBQ
• Casa Maria Mexican Restaurant
• Dirty Sodas
• Kettle Corn
• Mediterranean Cuisine
• Roy-el Catering
• Steve’s Hot Dogs
• White Cottage Ice Cream

The Wine Court will be available at the northeast corner near Café on the Square. Wine will be sold by the glass, and the options are:

• Decoy by Duckhorn Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
• Decoy by Duckhorn Pinot Noir 2022
• Decoy by Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc 2023
• Decoy by Duckhorn Chardonnay 2023
• Risata Moscato d’Asti

Shuttle service

The St. Clair County Transit District shuttle service will be available for attendees of Art on the Square.

On Friday, the first bus will leave the Scheel Street MetroLink station at 3 p.m. Friday for a special needs group and continue to transport visitors every 20 minutes. The last shuttle leaves East Main and Jackson streets at 9:20 p.m.

On Saturday and Sunday, service resumes at 10 a.m., with buses running every 20 minutes. The last buses leave downtown at 8:20 p.m. Saturday and 5:20 p.m. Sunday.

Lean more about Art on the Square by visiting artonthesquare.com or the event’s Facebook page.

Jennifer Green

Belleville News-Democrat

Jennifer Green has been with the Belleville News-Democrat since 2006. She covers restaurants and business openings/closings. Green is a 2001 graduate of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Please share tips and feedback at 618-239-2643 or [email protected].