Naperville News Digest: Artists sought for Water Street Fine Art & Fine Craft Fair; College of DuPage launches free workforce training program
Local artists are being sought for the 2nd annual Water Street Fine Art & Fine Craft Fair, which is to be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 13, along Water and Webster streets in downtown Naperville.
The juried art exhibition and sale is open to artists in the suburban Chicago area who specialize in painting, drawing, sculpture, jewelry, photography, pottery, glass, wood and other art forms.
The show also features children's activities and live jazz by the Pete Ellman Trio.
Artists interested in participating can apply through May 16. A jury will select between 30 to 35 artists to be part of the event.
The fair is sponsored by Water Street Naperville and Marquette Cos. One 'best of show' winner will be awarded a $250 prize and an invitation to return. Up to four 'honorable mention' awards also will be presented.
For an application, go to the art fair section at www.waterstreetnaperville.com.
College of DuPage launches free workforce training program
The College of DuPage has launched a free workforce training program to prepare students for jobs in clean energy.
The program is supported by a $3.1 million grant from the Illinois Climate and Equitable Jobs Act to benefit the Aurora Workforce Hub, one of 13 hubs across Illinois that provides free training, certification preparation and skill development for entry level positions in clean energy industries, a news release said.
It is designed to help those from environmental justice communities, displaced energy workers and others facing general employment barriers find careers in clean energy businesses while helping the environment, the release said.
The Aurora Workforce Hub offers an initial training that provides 176 hours of skills-based education.
Training is provided by the College of DuPage with partners from the Quad County Urban League. Several communities colleges including Waubonsee, Harper, Elgin, Triton and Kishwaukee have contributed to the Workforce Hub's launch, the release said.
After completing the initial training, students can transition into work-based learning or pursue specialized training in clean energy fields, the release said.
Knox Presbyterian Church Hosting Art Exhibit
A Lenten art exhibit featuring the works of the Rev. Shawna Bowman is being presented from Monday, April 14, to Friday, April 18, at the Knox Presbyterian Church, 1105 Catalpa Lane, Naperville.
Bowman, an artist and pastor at Friendship Presbyterian Church in Chicago, will display a series of works that provide an opportunity to walk through the final events of Christ's life and resurrection.
'This body of work is meant for us to explore the ways power is not only misused and abused in our current systems and realities but also point us to the promise that evil and death never have the final word. This is why there is also an Easter Station included in this series,' according to a description of the artwork.
The free exhibit is open to the public and can be found in the church's main sanctuary. Viewing times are 1 to 8 p.m. April 14-17 and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 18.
The self-guided experience also includes a brochure that will describe the art work and provide questions for reflection, organizers said.
This is the second year Knox Presbyterian Church has offered the Lenten art experience. Its event last year featured artists who were members of the church.
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