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 16
Admission: Free; artwork available for purchase
More info: 937-653-3334 or www.monumentsquaredistrict.com
The square root of area arts will be 43078 on Saturday, July 16.
That’s the ZIP code you’ll find the 12th annual Art Affair on the Square, where visual, literary, children’s, landscape and performing arts will be showcased under the summer sun, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in downtown Urbana.
The event is presented by the Monument Square District and is admission-free. Activities occur on Monument Square and North Main Street.
The tradition of focusing on a local artist continues with painter Dan Knepper as this year’s featured artist. His work on greeting cards got Knepper noticed by Art Affair organizers.
“We look for somebody local whose work deserves recognition,” said Sarah Thornton, who co-chairs the event with Pamela Bowshier.
The oil and watercolor painter specializes in rural landscapes and portraits.
The artists market will include 60 artists with works in a variety of forms for sale to spruce up any home or office.
Returning as the featured music performer will be Daniel Dye and the Miller Road Band from Mutual. Other performers will play at the top of each hour throughout the event.
Bowshier said an area that has exploded with growth this year is the literary tent. An even bigger group of 10 local authors will sell and autograph their original works.
Following a Grateful Dead lyric for last year’s theme, the District has turned to another rock legend for inspiration in 2016.
Bob Dylan’s “When I Paint My Masterpiece” is the theme of the kids’ tent, which will have everything from coloring to watercolors for the youngsters.
Also returning is the trolley ride that will take visitors to Urbana architectural landmarks along with numerous food vendors.
Proceeds raised go to maintain and beautify Urbana’s central business and historic district.
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