Summer Hiatus

With the heat of summer comes a lull in art and craft fairs.  We'll be building up stock and polishing our display for the fall shows to come.  Below is a list of the shows we expect to be doing later in the year.

Aug. 31-Sept. 1
     Shawnee Hills Wine Trail Annual Fall Festival
     Downtown Park in Cobden, IL

Sept. 14-15
     Murphysboro Apple Festival
     Murphysboro, IL

Sept. 29-30
     Illinois Wine & Art Festival
     Rend Lake Artisan Shop
     Whittington, IL

Oct. 13-14
     Art at the Edition
     Anna, IL

Oct. 20-21
     Vulture Festival
     Makanda, IL

Nov. 3-4
     Heritage Festival
     Southeastern Illinois College
     Harrisburg, IL

Nov. 10-11
     Autumnfest
     John A. Logan College
     Carterville, IL

Nov. 29-Dec. 1
     Holiday Craft Sale
     Southern Illinois University Student Center
     Carbondale, IL

Everything is subject to change, so stay tuned for any further information.

Of course, you don't have to wait for a craft fair or art show to pick up our products. Remember that Ruth's soaps, lotions, and bath and beauty products can be found anytime at Town Square Market in Carbondale.  John has wine racks and accessories at Dayshift in Carbondale, and at Village Art and Gifts in Cobden.

Shawnee Art and Wine Fest

Whenever we have a show coming up, especially an outdoor show, we keep a close eye on the coming weather.  Earlier this week the extended forecast called for highs on Saturday in the upper 90's, easily enough to wilt the most dedicated fair-goer.  Now they are calling for a high of 89, still warm, but well within the tolerance of most Southern Illinoisans.  Looks to be beautiful weather, so we hope to see lots of our old friends, and some new ones besides.  Shawnee Art and Wine Fest, this Saturday, June 23, from 11:00a - 7:00p.

Shawnee Art and Wine Fest

Saturday, June 23 at Riverside Park in Murphysboro is the latest incarnation of this show.  Now run by  the Murphysboro Chamber of Commerce, this show will run from 11:00a to 7:00p, with music provided by Wil Maring and Robert Bolin, Lew Jetton, and the Venturis.  They even give us our own page on their website!  Check it out at http://shawneefest.com/ruth-and-john-s

We'll see you there.

RRVAA Meeting

The River to River Visual Arts Association would like to invite anyone interested in promoting southernmost Illinois art to its monthly meeting on Tuesday, June 12 from 

6:30 -8:00 p.m. at The Edition at 315, 315 Christian Chapel Rd., Anna.

The non-profit association was formed to advocate for the economic and cultural value of the region's artists and artisans.  The group is planning to hold an art and fine crafts show, "Art at the Edition," during Union County Colorfest weekend Oct. 13 - 14, and is also exploring ways to help local artists benefit from southern Illinois tourism. 

Input is welcome from both artists and non-artists.  Civic leaders, businessmen and art patrons, as well as artists and artisans, are encouraged to attend.

For more information, please contact Sharon Wittke at sharonwittke@yahoo.com or (618) 697-5563.