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The free event is presented by the Monument Square District.
“We’ve got so much going on, something for everybody,” said event co-chair Sarah Thornton.
Around 50 artists with will have work on display and for sale such as leatherworking, metal art, floral art, jewelry and fine arts. They include newcomers, returning participants and even some who have attended all 13 events according to Thornton.
Watercolorist Rhonda Sloan is this year's featured artist. A member of the Western Ohio Watercolor Society, Springfield Museum of Art and the Champaign County Art Council, she's displayed her slightly abstract representational style of work at several local venues.
Authors working in numerous genres will be in the literary arts tent. They’ll include Addie J. King (contemporary fantasy and paranormal mystery), T. Wade Ervin (fantasy and science fiction) Amber Morant (fantasy) Sandi Eyman, Linda Locke, Ann Corfman and Nancy Sherwood (children’s literature), William Welty (Westerns and mystery) and Dan and Patti Verin (historical fiction).
Live entertainment will occur at the top of every hour, save for the final act, on the steps on the Champaign County Common Pleas court house. Performers are:
10 a.m.: Champaign County Youth Choir
11 a.m.: Champaign County Dulcimers
Noon: Michael Fittro
1 p.m.: Leah Grommon
2 p.m.: Mack McKenzie
3 p.m.: Daniel Dye and the Miller Road Band
4:30 p.m.: Larry Lyons
Dye is a regular performer at the event, and his appearance is part of the Champaign Arts Council’s Sounds of Summer series of outdoor shows.
The children’s tent will again offer artistic take-home activities for kids and is run by an art educator. Also showcased will be local young up-and-coming middle school and high school artists.
Nearby Legacy Park will offer an adult art area. Free architectural tours by horse trolleys will also be run through the event.
Another attraction is local businesses and restaurants will offer specials during the day.
Thornton said one of the biggest requests was for a wider variety of food offerings. More food trucks have been added to meet the demand.
These include Stevens and Sons, the Buckeye Pig Rig, Zerkle’s Food and Concessions, the Court Street Cafe (Presbyterian Church) and the Flying Pepper.
Activities will go on rain or shine.
How to go
What: Art Affair on the Square
Where: Monument Square and North Main Street, Urbana
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, July 15
Admission: Free; artwork available for purchase
More info: 937-653-3334 or www.monumentsquaredistrict.com
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