Five things to know about the 2009 Geneva Fine Arts Fair

At this year’s event
For this year’s Geneva Fine Arts Fair, Geneva Chamber of Commerce PR and Events Coordinator Sandy Portincaso said they are expecting more than 145 artists. “We have no lack of artists here,” she said. For young artists, the Geneva Courthouse lawn will feature an opportunity to get hands-on with art that will be rolled and placed into a chain-link fence. Good Cents Children, 220 W. State St., also will let children get messy making their own “modern art” piece with spiral art and paintball painting art stations from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 25.

Emerging artists
Five emerging artists will be given the chance to display their art at this year’s fair. Perry Haas, a Geneva resident who attends Utah State University, will display his ceramic pieces, which he said are not only art, but also for everyday uses. “My work is 100 percent natural,” Haas said. “There’s no glaze on it. It’s all fired by wood instead of gas ... Each time is something completely new.” Mike Haas, owner of Strawflower Shop in Geneva and Perry’s father, said although his son is an amateur, he’s been gaining a reputation in the ceramics world, and he’s very proud of him. “(This booth) gives him an opportunity to put his art out there with everyone else,” Mike Haas said.

The veterans
The majority of this year’s art fair will be made up of veteran artists, many from the area. Betty Baumer, a Geneva resident who said she has been painting for about 30 years, said this is her first year participating in the show after happening upon it last year. “I thought ‘Wow, I’ve lived here for probably 14 years and hadn’t gone to that show,’” Baumer said. Baumer said she is excited for this year’s event after recently having her work accepted.  “I don’t do a lot of shows,” she said. Edward Cook, a Batavia resident who does acrylic miniatures, said this will be his third year in the fair, with his first two years resulting in awards for excellence. “I consider it a privilege and an honor,” Cook said. “I think it’s a very good show.”

A new addition
At 10 a.m. Saturday, July 25, the dedication for Joshel Plaza, named for longtime Third Street Businessman and volunteer Robert Joshel, will take place. Mayor Kevin Burns will dedicate the building and reveal “Rain Man,” a new piece of art by Miles Metzger to be featured in Joshel Plaza. The sculpture, which is bronze, will feature a water element and be more than 15 feet tall.

If you go
WHERE Downtown Geneva on South Third Street, south of State Street.
WHEN from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 25 and 26
COST Free
PARKING Free parking in lots downtown