The DuSable Museum of African American History’s “summer celebration” continues with the 42nd Annual Arts & Crafts Festival scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, July 8 and July 9, 2017 from Noon until 10:00 p.m. each day. The Festival will take place at the Museum, located at 740 East 56th Place (57th Street and South Cottage Grove Ave.) in Chicago and best of all, admission is FREE!
The annual DuSable Museum Arts & Crafts festival is a showcase for local, national and international artists of fine art and unique hand-crafted work. Originated in 1974, the Festival features artists working in traditional, ethnic and experimental fine arts and crafts related to African American themes, history and culture. This year’s theme is Here’s To You Dr. Margaret Burroughs – Connecting Black Art & History – Celebrating Excellence, which honors the founder of the DuSable Museum and the Museum’s mission of preserving the history and culture of the African American experience.
“We are pleased to be presenting one of Chicago’s favorite summertime events, the DuSable Museum Arts & Crafts Festival, now in its 43rd year,” said Perri Irmer, DuSable Museum President and CEO. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together, enjoy family and friends, and also visit the museum to see our exciting new exhibits, including: EN MAS’: Carnival and Performance Art of the Caribbean; Kitihawa’s Chandelier: A Photographic Tale; and Freedom, Resistance and the Journey Toward Equality.”
During the 43rd Annual DuSable Museum Arts & Crafts Festival guests may partake of offerings from fine artists, craft artists, a farmers market, food vendors, a marketplace, and the MillerCoors Beer Garden. There will also be live entertainment, educational seminars, films and family activities, in addition to a special Children’s Pavilion. Scheduled Festival performers include:
Saturday, July 8, 2017: 12:00 NOON – D.J. Cisco; 1:00 PM – Najwa Dance Corp; 2:00 PM – Line Dancing with Fre 2 Dance; 3:00 PM – Blues Vocalist – Vance Kelly; 5:00 PM – Ronnie G and the Band; and 7:00 PM – “Steppin’ at the Fest” featuring award-winning DJ’s, Casper, Sam Chatman, and Al Greer
Sunday, July 9, 2017: 12:00 NOON – DJ Cisco; 1:00 PM – Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church Choir; 2:00 PM – Di Maschine Reggae Band; 3:00 PM – Jazz Vocalist – Arzula Maxine Gardner; 5:00 PM – Motown Tribute Review featuring V. Holmes Music Entertainment Corp. and 7:00 PM – “Old School Dance & House Party” with Maurice “Ice” Culpepper and Farley Jackmaster Funk.
The 43rd Annual DuSable Museum Arts & Crafts Festival is sponsored by MillerCoors, Break Thru Beverages, Captain Morgan, DeLeon Tequila, Porkchop, and Food and Paper Supply Company. Admission to the Festival is FREE. (For a complete listing of entertainment and activities, please visit our website at dusablemuseum.org or call 773-947-0600).
