14
Sep
2004
With the economy emerging from the doldrums, Director Larry DeVilbiss expects big things out of the 17th Annual Riverssance Festival of Fine Art, held on Saturday and Sunday at Lindsay Park in the Village of East Davenport.
In recent years, he said, art fairs across the country have suffered. "The quality of art was a little lower," he said, "probably because of the economy." This year DeVilbiss expects a "resurgence" in artistic quality.
And that will be a key if the festival, now in its second year under the stewardship of MidCoast Fine Arts, reaches its potential. "I definitely think it's a festival that could support a lot more people," DeVilbiss said, adding that he hopes to see attendance growth of 5 to 10 percent a year. The festival drew roughly 15,000 people last year, he said, and the long-term goal is between 30,000 and 40,000 people. "I'd love to see it up to that," he said.
With 106 artists in a juried exhibition, live musical entertainment, a children's art tent, a wine garden featuring three Iowa wineries, and 10 food vendors, Riverssance is certainly the biggest art event in the Quad Cities.
Artists are competing for awards, including a $600 best-of-show award and 12 $200 awards of merit. This year's awards judge is Davenport Museum of Art Director Linda Downs, who came to the Quad Cities two years ago. DeVilbiss said that Riverssance organizers chose a judge who might not be very familiar with local and regional artists, bringing a fresh perspective.
Although the number of artists at Riverssance is being held steady, other elements are being added. Performers from Comedy Sportz will be lightening the atmosphere for the first time, and the wine garden has added two new wineries. The food court has added upscale vendors such as SantAmour's Café Espresso and Fireworks. "It's kind of a gourmet affair compared to a lot of art fairs," DeVilbiss said. "There's a high end to the food as well as the art."
The River Cities' Reader's coverage of Riverssance includes a profile of longtime Quad Cities art educator Thomas Chouteau, the winner of this year's Harley award, as well as looks at three local artists who've participated in Riverssance for many years. Finally, we take a look at the three Iowa wineries featured in this year's wine garden. A map showing the locations of artist booths is also featured on page 20.
The Riverssance festival runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $2.
Riverssance Entertainment Schedule
Saturday, September 18
10 a.m.: Art Expo Youth Band Winners
noon: Wren (traditional Celtic, progressive)
2 p.m.: Mike Wallace (acoustic guitar)
4 p.m.: We're Late & Smell Like Beer (Cajun Midwest funk)
Sunday, September 19
10 a.m.: World Port Music
noon: Mike & Amy Finders Band (folk bluegrass)
2 p.m.: Dalziel (contemporary folk music)
In recent years, he said, art fairs across the country have suffered. "The quality of art was a little lower," he said, "probably because of the economy." This year DeVilbiss expects a "resurgence" in artistic quality.
And that will be a key if the festival, now in its second year under the stewardship of MidCoast Fine Arts, reaches its potential. "I definitely think it's a festival that could support a lot more people," DeVilbiss said, adding that he hopes to see attendance growth of 5 to 10 percent a year. The festival drew roughly 15,000 people last year, he said, and the long-term goal is between 30,000 and 40,000 people. "I'd love to see it up to that," he said.
With 106 artists in a juried exhibition, live musical entertainment, a children's art tent, a wine garden featuring three Iowa wineries, and 10 food vendors, Riverssance is certainly the biggest art event in the Quad Cities.
Artists are competing for awards, including a $600 best-of-show award and 12 $200 awards of merit. This year's awards judge is Davenport Museum of Art Director Linda Downs, who came to the Quad Cities two years ago. DeVilbiss said that Riverssance organizers chose a judge who might not be very familiar with local and regional artists, bringing a fresh perspective.
Although the number of artists at Riverssance is being held steady, other elements are being added. Performers from Comedy Sportz will be lightening the atmosphere for the first time, and the wine garden has added two new wineries. The food court has added upscale vendors such as SantAmour's Café Espresso and Fireworks. "It's kind of a gourmet affair compared to a lot of art fairs," DeVilbiss said. "There's a high end to the food as well as the art."
The River Cities' Reader's coverage of Riverssance includes a profile of longtime Quad Cities art educator Thomas Chouteau, the winner of this year's Harley award, as well as looks at three local artists who've participated in Riverssance for many years. Finally, we take a look at the three Iowa wineries featured in this year's wine garden. A map showing the locations of artist booths is also featured on page 20.
The Riverssance festival runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $2.
Riverssance Entertainment Schedule
Saturday, September 18
10 a.m.: Art Expo Youth Band Winners
noon: Wren (traditional Celtic, progressive)
2 p.m.: Mike Wallace (acoustic guitar)
4 p.m.: We're Late & Smell Like Beer (Cajun Midwest funk)
Sunday, September 19
10 a.m.: World Port Music
noon: Mike & Amy Finders Band (folk bluegrass)
2 p.m.: Dalziel (contemporary folk music)
