Champion of the Arts
Simple Communications
Advocate for the Arts
Advanced Realty
Apple Jax
Shaw Media
Join us for the 2022 Liberty Arts Festival!
Saturday, August 27th
Fine artists are invited to charming Downtown Morris for the 2022 Liberty Arts Festival. The event returns with an Art Walk on the Grundy County Courthouse Lawn, the popular children’s attraction Creator’s Village, Sip ‘N Shop throughout the boutiques and stores, live musical and dance performances, food trucks, and more.
The Art Stroll is an opportunity to set up your booth to demonstrate, showcase, and sell your art from 10AM-4PM. Each artist receives a 10 x 10 space for a contribution of $40, which will benefit the Exibit Fine Arts Center & Gallery. There is no fee for student artists and demonstration is not required.
This is a juried show with prizes as follows: 1st place $200, 2nd place $150, and 3rd place $75. Winners will be announced and shared on @Visit Morris, IL, @City of Morris, IL, and @Liberty Arts Festival social media pages.
Sip N Shop with Downtown Morris Retailers
Culinary Arts & Charcuterie 101
Liberty Arts Schedule
Featured Artist: Shaun Hays, The Chicago Chalk Champ
Creating at Liberty and Washington St.
10 AM - 4 PM
3D Chalk Artist
20+ Years of Experience
Creator of the World's First Functional QR Code Out of Chalk
Guests may take their photo inside his masterpiece to snap, tweet, and share!
Get a copy of the flyer
Event Schedule
Unless otherwise noted, all activities are 10AM-4PM and free to the community.
Performances
Roy Backus & Friends Jazz Sextet
10AM-1PM
Courthouse Lawn Stage
Morris High School Varsity Poms with Pre-K – 8th Dancers
1:30PM
Washington Street
Morris High School Cheerleaders
2:30PM
Washington Street
Pizzaz Dancers from Donna Mueller’s School of Dance
2:00PM
Washington Street
*New in 2022* Live 3D Chalk Art by Shaun Hays (Chicago Chalk Champ 2012-2019)
Hays will create a unique chalk masterpiece at the intersection of Liberty & Washington Streets throughout the morning. Take photos “inside” his art to snap, share, and tweet. Use hashtag #visitmorrisil
Creator’s Village (Children’s Area)
Liberty Street
- Coloring activity with Grundy County Historical Museum
- Bookmark making with Morris Area Public Library
- Tie-dye t-shirt making (while supplies last) with Morris Girls Scouts
- Sailboat craft with GFWC Illinois Morris Woman's Club
- Marshmallow shooter with Pack 480 Cub Scouts of Morris
- All ages craft with Morris Community High School Art Department
- Coloring and popsicles with First Presbyterian Church
- Face painting sponsored by the City of Morris
- Yard Games by Applejax Wood Creations/Applejax at Play
- Hands-on pottery making by Angela Robinson and Exibit Fine Arts Gallery
- Crafting with the Morris YMCA
Everyone is invited to color the commemorative banner sponsored by Midwest Signworks!
Morris YMCA Outdoor Fitness Class
10:00AM
320 Wauponsee Street (YMCA parking lot)
Art Stroll
10AM-4PM
Awards 3:00PM
Courthouse Lawn
Juried show features artists from throughout Northern Illinois. Most original art is available for purchase. Enjoy live demos by groups including the Grundy County Woodworkers, Exibit Fine Arts Gallery and more. Booth fees donated to the Exibit Fine Arts Gallery. Student artists received a free space at the Art Show.
Specialty art shows by the Morris Water Color Guild & Pieces of the Heart Quilt Club United Methodist Church- 118 W. Jackson
Culinary Arts
No Reservations, LTD.
Eagles Hall-120 Liberty Street
Made from scratch food demos with free samples for all ages. Build your own “cupcake burger” for kids ($3).
Charcuterie 101 Class
Learn the basics of building your own charcuterie creations with No Reservations, LTD. Tray and supplies provided in event fee ($30). Family friendly. Cash bar available.
Register at www.noreservationsltd.com
Food Trucks
Enjoy Morris’ own...
- Big Bash Catering (Morris Chop Shop)
- Laki Ice
- County Seat Pizza
Sip N’ Shop
Welcome Table- Corner of Washington & Liberty Streets
Guests 21 and over will receive a wristband and cup to sample curated cocktails at nearly 20 downtown stores. Cast your vote for your favorite and the winning drinks earn donations to the retailers’ charities of choice.
Complete the back of your card and return to any participating shop for a chance to win $250+ in gift cards to Morris Retail Association Stores.
Additional Shopping & Retail Features
Blackbird’s Bowl Natural Pet Foods & More
221 Liberty Street
5 adorable animals are finalists in the Artistic Pet Photo Contest sponsored by Blackbird’s Bowl and Bone-ifide Care, Inc. Vote for your favorite in-store.
The Front Porch
317 Liberty Street
Enjoy music on the porch with Jim Noethe.
Happy Daisy Art Studio
112 W. Washington
Make a Succulent Terrarium. Reg. $25, lg. $30
Just Kidding Around
218 Liberty Street
"Color Wonder Workshop" for age 5 and under available while parents shop. Cost is $5.
Lilacs & Laughter
401 Liberty Street
Featuring hand painted China by local artists Fran Rivett & Jeannie Bloom
Oleander’s Boutique
304 Liberty Street
Featuring handmade, laser cut, wood earrings & macramé earrings created by a local maker.
Studio Ferro
423 Liberty Street
Liberty Arts Fest guests receive 10% off Vincent Golshani, Brandon Luther, Elizabeth Martin, and Jim Ferro art.
True North
539 Bedford Road
Chalk the walk - inside the store on the aisles! True North features the work of 40+ handmade artists.
Verbena
411 Liberty Street
Featuring handmade products by Applejax, Hen House Ceramics, and Threadings Handwoven Designs
Montage Sweet 16 Celebration
307 Liberty Street (5-7PM)
Following the festival, Montage Wine Bar will celebrate 16 years in business with music and launch of a new fall menu.