Y’all it was not the prettiest weekend in Chicago. It seems our rainy spring just keeps holding out even though it’s now mid-June. Regardless, both Old Town Art Fair and Wells Street Art Fair were happening this weekend, so on Sunday, after brunch, I braved the rain to take a look around. Here are some of the art fair trends I noticed …
Artwork by Kathrine Allen-Coleman
Five Art Fair Trends
1. Pop Culture References
Don’t get me wrong – I love a good photograph or oil painting, but it’s nice to see juried art fairs opening up to more non-traditional art. My favorite find of the day was a mosaic-style piece that was made from La Croix cans. Unfortunately, that artist wished to keep her work off the Internet, so I won’t be posting a picture. Instead, you can find all the La Croix art on Etsy. Art prints, candles, and even magnets!
2. Minimalist, quality jewelry
So often at nice art festivals the jewelry tends to be bulky and not quite my style. This season the minimalist jewelry trend is coming in strong. The good news was most of the places I shopped used real gold. The bad news, of course, was that made it a bit out of my price range in some instances. I purchased a tiny pair of gold hoop earrings but had to walk away from the most amazing tiny skull ring that was almost a thousand dollars!
3. Photos printed on glass
My cousin and her husband have a few photos printed on glass in their home and it seems they’re trendsetters! Just about every other photography booth at the Old Town Art Fair had glass prints. While it’s not my personal style, the colors and details really do pop in these!
4. Etched Prints
Okay, this one may be my favorite, specifically those from Amanda Outcalt. 
She showed me the copper piece that she etches before rolling it with ink and using a press to get a gorgeous print. The best part is after the print is made, she weaves in more design elements like painted flowers and embroidery.
Lots of artists were showcasing etched prints, but none quite like hers.
5. Mini Prints
Realistically, I can’t purchase a large, high-end piece of art every time I walk through an art fair. As much as that saddens me. I’m thankful many artists seem to be embracing the trend of offering their regular style in miniature format. I love these 6 x 8 polaroid style prints from Bennett Art Gallery and the 4 x 4 bees from Kathrine Allen-Coleman.
Comment below with your favorite art trend!
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Maybe post about upcoming art shows as well. Loved the post! Would like to go to some local art shows
Yes! Great idea – will definitely look into that!