Amdur Productions, a nationally acclaimed art festival production company, proudly announces its annual call to artist for its 2014 festival season. For over 30 years, Amdur Productions has organized many of the Midwest’s most respected and popular juried art festivals including the Gold Coast Art Fair and the Port Clinton Art Festival. In addition to its 16 Chicagoland festivals, Amdur Productions produces shows annually in New Buffalo, Michigan; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Hallandale Beach, Florida. 

“The success of our shows is based on the quality of artists who participate in each of them,” says Amy Amdur, President and Founder of her namesake firm.  “We are always happy to see artists apply year after year and welcome those who apply for the first time.”   

Once again, Amdur Productions is offering artists the opportunity to apply online for the summer’s exciting line-up of festivals. Artists can visit www.amdurproductions.com and click “APPLY NOW,” then follow the prompts to submit their work electronically.  Artists should submit four images of their work and one photo of their booth. All applications must be received by midnight on January 10, 2014 for consideration in this season’s extraordinary line up.  Late applications will be accepted through January 17, 2014 for an additional processing fee. After jury review, artists will be notified of their status online February 14, 2014.

Artists may apply to participate in any or all of the weekend art festivals, including:

Barrington Art Festival: Barrington, Illinois – May 24 – May 25, 2014

125 Artists │Booth Fee: $405│Jury Fee: $25

Amdur Productions proudly kicks off the summer festival season with the fifth annual Barrington Art Festival over Memorial Day weekend. Known for its grand mansions and horse farms, the affluent and vibrant Chicago suburb of Barrington boasts a wealthy population with a deep appreciation and buying history of art. Located 35 miles northwest of Chicago, the Village of Barrington is the commercial center of a cluster of affluent communities that stretches across two major counties. The Festival takes place in the charming downtown of Barrington, filled with cozy cafés, unique boutiques and popular restaurants.

Millennium Art Festival: Chicago, Illinois – May 30 – June 1, 2014

100 Artists │Booth Fee: $495│Jury Fee: $25

***Ranked as one of the top 50 art festivals in the country by Sunshine Artist magazine***

Located two blocks north of Chicago’s bustling Millennium Park, the Millennium Art Festival returns to downtown Chicago for its sixth year.  More than 175,000 people visit the area daily for work or play at the Illinois Center Complex, Chicago Art Institute, Chicago Cultural Center or Millennium Park.  Chicagoans, convention attendees and tourists patronize and love this big city show. The festival takes place right off Chicago’s famous Michigan Avenue on Lake Street - next to some of the tallest and most famous buildings in the world, including the Prudential Building and world famous AON Tower (originally the Standard Oil Building). 

Promenade of Art Arlington Heights: Arlington Heights, Illinois – June 7 – June 8, 2014

125 Artists │Booth Fee: $460│Jury Fee: $25

Now celebrating its twelfth year, the Promenade of Art Arlington Heights is a longstanding tradition for the 75,000 residents of this prosperous western Chicago suburb and nearby communities. Arlington Heights is the 12th largest municipality in Illinois, boasting a unique blend of old and new. 30% of the households have a household income of $100,000 or more.  Art of all varieties does well at this highly trafficked event and many artists have secured substantial, large art special commissions for businesses at this festival. The festival takes place in the lively downtown area amid upscale high-rise apartments, boutiques, cafes, theaters and popular restaurants. Large crowds, plus easy load in and load out make this festival a pleasure to do.

Gold Coast Art Fair: Chicago, Illinois – June 21 – June 22, 2014***TENTATIVE DATE***

300 Artists │Booth Fee: $595│Jury Fee: $35

***Ranked as one of the TOP 50 art festivals in the country by Sunshine Artist magazine and as one of America’s Best Art Fairs by Art Fair Calendar***

The “Granddaddy of American Art Festivals,” the Gold Coast Art Fair, returns to Grant Park, Chicago’s premier festival destination! Now celebrating its 57th year, the Gold Coast Art Fair is the 3rd oldest and by far one of the most well attended art festivals in Chicago, which was rated one of the top 5 tourist destinations in the United States by Travel magazine. The celebrated festival’s many accolades include being rated as one of the top 50 shows in the United States by Sunshine Artist magazine and being named a top show by Art Fair Calendar in 2013.  Located within walking distance of the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, The Bean, and Buckingham Fountain, the Gold Coast Art Fair draws hundreds of thousands of art enthusiasts from Chicago and the surrounding suburbs annually. A heavy advertising program also brings in tourists who buy art as a memory of their special time in Chicago. 

New Buffalo ARTigras!: New Buffalo, Michigan – June 28 – June 29, 2014

125 Artists │Booth Fee: $450│Jury Fee: $25

ARTigras! was launched in 2012 and drew tens of thousands of art lovers who own summer homes in the area known as Harbor Country or visit the charming town for weekends away from Chicago.  Located an hour from Chicago in New Buffalo, Michigan, ARTigras! adds to any art lover’s weekend escape from the hustle and bustle of city.  The festival features all types of original art by artists and for the first time ever will welcome artisans and antique dealers. ARTigras! will now be held the last weekend in June, when the weekend population swells with people enjoying their weekend homes and mansions located near the festival - just blocks from the shore of Lake Michigan. Craft beers, local wines, food and light music add to the event.

The Art Center’s Festival of Fine Craft: Highland Park, Illinois – June 28 – June 29, 2014

110 Artists │Booth Fee: $455│Jury Fee: $35

The Art Center's (TAC) Festival of Fine Craft takes place in the eastern section of Highland Park, an affluent suburb located on Chicago’s North Shore. This festival is situated on the beautiful tree lined streets surrounding TAC Media include function and non-functional fine art, such as hot and cold glass, ceramics, wood, jewelry, fiber, leather, mosaics, mixed media and more. The festival is loved and well attended by the art collectors who live in the area and support TAC, a 51 year old non-profit visual arts organization is home to art classes and exhibitions  All artists are required to donate a piece of art, valued at $100, for “Bid or Buy,” a silent auction benefiting TAC, a 51 year old not-for-profit visual arts organization. All proceeds from “Bid or Buy” support TAC’s mission of ensuring access to the arts for individuals of all ages and cultural interests.

Chicago Botanic Garden Art Festival: Glencoe, Illinois – July 5 – July 6, 2014

95 Artists │Booth Fee: $625│Jury Fee: $35

***Ranked as one of the TOP 10 shows in the country by Sunshine Artist Magazine***

The Chicago Botanic Garden Art Festival, rated as one of the top 10 shows in the United States by Sunshine Artist magazine, features art of a botanic theme, material or use in one of the most prominent botanic gardens in the United States. Last year’s festival garnered the Chicago Botanic Garden a new 40 year record attendance, with crowds of art lovers flocking to the festival from all over the Chicagoland area.  

The festival is located ½ hour north of Chicago and showcases the work of 95 unique artists in a pristine setting overlooking a lake, spectacular gardens and 385 acres of majesty. With a membership base of 50,000 and an annual attendance of nearly one million people, the Chicago Botanic Garden is one of the premier gardens in the United States.

Buffalo Grove Invitational Fine Art Festival: Buffalo Grove, Illinois – July 12 – July 13, 2014

120 Artists │Booth Fee: $475│Jury Fee: $25

***Ranked as one of the TOP 40 art festivals in the country by Sunshine Artist Magazine***

Since its inception 13 years ago, the Buffalo Grove Art Festival has been a family and community tradition.  Now rated one of the top 50 shows in the United States by Sunshine Artist magazine, this stellar art festival takes place in Buffalo Grove - one of the fastest growing communities in the greater Chicagoland area.  Buffalo Grove is home to more than 44,000 loyal festival supporters and some of the most reputable business organizations in the Midwest. The festival offers ample artist and patron parking. A huge community volunteer corps provides booth-sitting and artist assistance with a smile.

Summer on Southport: Chicago, Illinois – July 12 – July, 13, 2014

110 Artists │ Booth Fee: $335 │Jury Fee: $25

Amdur Productions proudly adds Summer on Southport to its summer art festival roster. For 10 years, this festival has been a staple in Chicago’s Southport neighborhood with its stellar line-up of activities and live entertainment, as well as bites and libations. This year, for the first time ever, art will be added to the already established festival. Hosted by the Southport Neighbor’s Association, the festival benefits important local causes - ensuring a large attendance from affluent city dwellers that live on and near the highly desirable Southport corridor in downtown Chicago.

North Shore Festival of Art: Skokie, Illinois – July 26 – July 27, 2014

100 Artists │Booth Fee: $445│Jury Fee: $25

With the completion of the 2013 construction, the 2014 festival will return to the beloved layout of previous years. This festival takes place in a very busy outdoor shopping and dining area called Westfield Old Orchard in Skokie, Illinois. Filled with lush landscaping, ponds, fountains and pretty sitting areas, the open spaces are as pretty as the stores that line the walks. The center features high end stores such as Nordstrom’s, Bloomingdales, Tiffany, Michael Kors and more. More than 84,000 shoppers with taste and money frequent the mall and love shopping the festival too.

Glencoe Festival of Art: Glencoe, Illinois– August 2 – August 3, 2014

125 Artists │Booth Fee: $455│Jury Fee: $25

Held in cooperation with the Glencoe Chamber of Commerce, Amdur Productions proudly hosts the sixth annual Glencoe Festival of Art.  The Glencoe Festival of Art takes place in the prestigious Village of Glencoe, an upscale community on Chicago’s North Shore.  This festival is nestled amongst upscale retail shops, galleries, cafes and restaurants in charming downtown Glencoe. Wealthy, highly educated art lovers patronize the festival annually. 

Art at the Glen: Glenview, Illinois – August 9 – August 10, 2014

185 Artists │Booth Fee: $525│Jury Fee: $35

***Ranked as one of the TOP 30 art festivals in the country by Sunshine Artist Magazine***

Rated as one of the top 30 shows in the United States, the prestigious Art at The Glen festival showcases original works from more than 185 juried artists. The festival is held in the elegant Glen Town Center, a spectacular mixed use development which boasts incredible shopping and dining experiences for visitors and the residents of the newly built upscale community. Magnificent architecture, beautiful tree-lined streets and wide walkways make The Glen Town Center an ideal location for the festival. Dozens of stores, cafes, restaurants and a 10 screen movie theater make the Glen Town Center a destination for art lovers from near and far. 

Lincolnshire Art Festival: Lincolnshire, Illinois – August 16 – August 17, 2014

120 Artists │Booth Fee: $430│Jury Fee: $35

Located in one of Chicago’s most prosperous suburbs, the Lincolnshire Art Festival draws more than 20,000 art lovers annually.  The festival is set up around a central plaza with a beautiful fountain and sitting area. Located about 30 miles north of Chicago, Lincolnshire is surrounded by the affluent suburbs of Riverwoods, Bannockburn and Lake Forest.  More than 50% of the households in Lincolnshire have incomes of more than $100,000 and 20% have incomes over $200,000.  Major corporations, including Walgreens, Wuill, and AON Hewitt are all located in Lincolnshire, making the festival a prime opportunity for large scale business commissions. 

Port Clinton Art Festival: Highland Park, Illinois – August 23 – August 24, 2014

260 Artists │Booth Fee: $760│Jury Fee: $50

***Ranked as one of the TOP 20 shows in the country by Sunshine Artist Magazine and as one of America’s Best Art Fairs 2013 by Art Fair Calendar***

More than 250,000 art savvy, loyal attendees and buyers visit this high caliber festival which celebrates its 31st year this summer.  Located in the affluent community of Highland Park, the Port Clinton Art Festival is one of the most acclaimed art festivals in the country.  A constant on Sunshine Art magazine’s “Best Of” list, the Port Clinton Art Festival was also named a top show by Art Fair Calendar in 2013. Serious art collectors wait to buy the really big pieces at this end of summer event . The best of the best is what art lovers come to see and buy at this festival.

Third Ward Art Festival: Milwaukee, Wisconsin – August 30– August 31, 2014

135 Artists │Booth Fee: $450│Jury Fee: $25

The Third Ward Art Festival will be held on Labor Day weekend WITHOUT the Harley Davidson Convention taking place on the same weekend, as it did in 2013.  We are all looking forward to the 2014 festival with the kind of crowds we had in 2012 pre-Harley. The Third Ward Art Festival is located just three blocks south of downtown Milwaukee, in the Historic Third Ward knows as “Milwaukee’s Arts and Fashion District.” This upscale area boasts the city’s most dynamic array of restaurants, spas, theaters, galleries and unique shopping – attracting visitors from near and far. Wide sidewalks are home to numerous outdoor cafes, which are well situated to look at art with the back to back layout down the street.

Downtown Downers Grove Art Festival: Downers Grove, Illinois – September 6 – September 7, 2014

100 Artists │Booth Fee: $315│Jury Fee: $20

***Ranked as one of the TOP 100 art festivals in the country by Sunshine Artist Magazine***

A cherished late summer, community tradition for the past 37 years, the Downers Grove Art Festival will be directed by Amdur Productions for the fourth year. Located 22 miles west of Chicago, Downers Grove is home to about 50,000 residents. Held on Downers Grove’s main street, the festival draws stellar crowds of art and jewelry enthusiasts annually! Support from the Downtown Downers Grove Business Association and close ties with the Village of Downers Grove give this festival a base of strong support from the local community.

Highwood Starving Artist Festival: Highwood, Illinois – September 20 – September 21, 2014

50    Artists │Booth Fee: $235│Jury Fee: $15

The Starving Artists show is a different type of show. This is a show where artists can discount, reduce, and generally sell off extra art inventory at the end of the summer. Visitors come looking for bargains on everything from jewelry to ceramics to fine art. This unique art fair features great art at great prices - allowing artists the opportunity to sell off their inventory at the end of the season! The Starving Artists show is nestled between three of the wealthiest communities on the North Shore; Highland Park, Lake Forest and Lincolnshire. The atmosphere is relaxed, the booth fee is low, and the event is a blast - with great food, craft beers, fun activities for kids and live music adding to the fun. Artists and/or artist’s reps are welcome to work the festival.

The Inside Art and Wine Show: Highland Park, Illinois – November 21 – November 23, 2014

40    Artists │ Booth Fee: $750│Jury Fee: $25

Amdur Productions will once again extend the art festival season to pre-holiday with The Inside Art & Wine Show. A select group of artists showcase their artwork at this holiday event, taking place indoors at a high-end country club in Highland Park. The income levels combined with high education and love for the arts make Highland Park a wonderful place to exhibit and sell art. This year, there will be a wine tasting at the event for the crowds of holiday shoppers.  A perfect pairing of fine art with red, white, and sparkling wines makes this show a must-attend event. Artists will have the opportunity to interact with the public through art demos and booth chats.

Gulfstream Park Art Festival: Hallandale Beach, Florida – December 13 – December 14, 2014

100 Artists │ Booth Fee: $450│Jury Fee: $25

Amdur Productions migrates south for this highly trafficked, pre-holiday show on South Florida’s sunny east coast at The Village at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida. This beautiful outdoor enclave, located adjacent to the legendary Gulfstream Park Racetrack and Casino on South Federal Highway, boasts a sizzling collection of fashion boutiques, home accessory shops, signature restaurants, outdoor cafes and nightclubs – attracting an upwardly mobile mix of tourists in addition to the 44,000 residents who live in the area. A later date in the season allows artists to enjoy the abundant crowds of vacationers and snow bunnies who visit Florida in December.

For more information about the jury process, 2014 festivals, or related topics, please visit www.amdurproductions.com or contact the Amdur Productions office at 847-926-4300 or via email at info@amdurproductions.com.