ST. LOUIS (June 13, 2003) - After initially being placed on an alternate list for 2003 Belleville Art Fair inclusion, exhibitor Shawn Cornell, senior illustrator and designer at Paradowski Design, walked away from the 2003 Belleville Art Fair with two of the fair's greatest honors -- the Mayor's Purchase Award and the Best in Category for the Oil/Acrylics category.
The art fair, 'Art on the Square,' is a juried fine arts show taking place on Belleville's Public Square in downtown Belleville, Illinois. Taking place May 16-18, 2003, 'Art on the Square' is intended to "foster the appreciation of the visual and performing arts to a diverse public by presenting an exhibit and sale of fine art, providing educational and enjoyable workshops for children and promoting the importance of the creative process," according to the fair organizers.
Out of 528 applicants, there were 100 artists selected to exhibit in this year's event, which is ranked among the top 100 art shows in the nation (2002 Art Fair Source Book). In its second year, the event attracted more than 30,000 people, offering visitors the chance to meet exhibiting artists, enjoy family entertainment, children's workshops, taste fine cuisines and take a walk through our historic neighborhoods.
There were eleven categories, including Ceramics/Clay, Drawing/Graphics, Fine Craft, Glass, Jewelry, Mixed Media, Oil/Acrylic, Photography, Sculpture, Watercolor and Wood. A total of $27,000 in prize money was raised and awards were granted in the following areas: one Best of Show, 11 Best of Category, seven Awards of Excellence, one Mayor's Choice and one Ed L. Karasek Award (Illinois Artists Only).
"The art fair provided a wonderful opportunity for artists to showcase a broad range of work. I was particularly pleased with the feedback I received from the fair goers, and plan to be a part of this art fair for years to come," explains Cornell.
In addition to working as a senior illustrator and designer at Paradowski Design, Shawn is a member of the Missouri Plein Air Painters' Association. The organization was established in 1999 by a group of local artists to "further the practice and appreciation of plein air painting in Missouri and surrounding regions." All paintings represented by this association are painted on location.
'Art on the Square' is a not-for-profit organization that receives no commission on the sale of artwork, and admission to the art fair is free.
Paradowski Design develops strategic, results-oriented marketing tools, including corporate identity, brochures, web sites, annual reports and other publications. For more information about Paradowski Design and its services, call (314) 241-2150.