Algonquin Commons Art Fair Features Professional, Student Artwork

The 3rd Annual Algonquin Commons Art Fair showcased everything from the best intentions for aspiring musicians to diverse artwork featuring watercolor, photography, handpainted furniture, colored pencil, fiber, acrylic and jewelry.

The juried art show, held Saturday and Sunday at , was free to the public. It also promoted the 2nd Annual Instrument Drive, an initiative that encourages donations of new or used instruments for students whose financial challenges would prevent them from studying music.

Diane Magerko, Performing & Fine Arts Chairman for the District 300 Foundation, said last year's collection brought in close to three dozen vitally needed instruments.

"They were duct taping instruments together because they couldn't afford instruments," Magerko said. "The instruments we collected last year are all in use now."

Misao Fishwick of Oskaloosa, IA won Best of Show, and expressed a special appreciation for the beauty of musical instruments.

His colored pencil drawings feature women dressed in traditional ethnic wardrobes, and some of his sketches capture musicians with rare instruments used in Asia, hundreds of years ago.

Fishwick said the art show experience is most rewarding because of the opportunity to talk with people about his subjects. Annually, he participates in up to 15 shows across the country.  He took part in Elgin's Art & Soul earlier this summer. 

Fishwick's drawings were exhibited as framed originals and prints were also available on note cards. He said his work is inspired by random interactions with people in varied walks of life, including Japanese, Hmong, Dutch and Amish subjects. He also draws landscapes and animals.

"I feel the same honor when someone buys one of my notecards as when someone buys one of my original pieces," said Fishwick. "To me, it isn't about how much they have spent but that they genuinely want to have my art." 

Some of the fiber projects on display in the District 300 art gallery  were made possible by a foundation grant funded by Target, Magerko said.

Elise Oppegaard, a freshman at Dundee-Crown High School, volunteered to help out at the event, and proceeds raised from the sale of notecards, raffle tickets and donations will benefit the foundation.

More information about District 300 Foundation for Excellence in Education is available at www.d300foundation.org.