The Naperville Woman’s Club, which celebrates its 125th anniversary this year, once again brings the Fine Art & Artisan Fair to Naper Settlement June 25 and 26. More than 100 artists will have works on display at the annual gathering. (Naperville Woman’s Club)

The Naperville Woman’s Club Fine Art & Artisan Fair celebrates its 63rd anniversary this year, dating back to 1959.

But before you get too impressed, think about this — the event has been held for just over half the amount of time the organization has existed. The Naperville Woman’s Club celebrates its 125th anniversary this year, giving them even more reasons to celebrate at this year’s art fair.

“They work hard every year to bring this cultural event to Naperville and the surrounding suburbs for a free family special event,” said Marie Gnesda, director of the fair. “As, of course, do the talented artists who make the show.”

The event, held June 25 and 26 this year at Naper Settlement, will bring more than 100 artists to the juried festival. The longtime Naperville tradition continues to attract attention, typically drawing more than 10,000 visitors over the course of the weekend.

“We bring in amazing artists from all over the country,” Gnesda said. “There is also food, beer and wine, music, a children’s tent, a free caricature artist, a balloon artist making hats and animals for kids and a community mural that the public participates in and paints.”

The idea is to create a festive atmosphere for the whole family as well as display the work by the artists brought to the show. The artists will be in contention for a number of prizes awarded by a panel of judges, including Best of Show. But the focus is more on their creative expression than the competition. Those include Cat Clausen, who was chosen to provide the image for the mural being created this year, and Nancy Gorman, a ceramic artist who won an award at last year’s festival.

About that mural: Clausen created the Community Mural, an 8-foot high and 12-foot long mural, which will be hidden from view. The picture has been broken down into 216 8-inch by 8-inch sections, which visitors to the fair can paint (think paint-by-numbers). Once each section is finished, it will be stapled to the structure to eventually reveal the entire mural.

Other activities this year include caricature artist Greg Steel, who will be providing caricatures of people attending the fair for free. Elizabeth Waddington will demonstrate painting techniques in her booth, and Ray Campbell will show people how to use a potter’s wheel. There’s also a 3D chalk artist who will be creating memorable images on the grounds of Naper Settlement.

The show also acts as a fundraiser for two organizations: Empty Bowls pottery will be sold by ClaySpace of Lisle to raise money for local food pantries, while a silent auction for products that the artists contribute will raise money for local charities.

Children will also be encouraged to create art themselves through hands-on activities at the children’s tent. And balloon artists will keep them entertained and get them into the spirit of the event.

While the event’s more than six-decade history speaks for itself, Gnesda credits the members who volunteer for the event and put in so much time each year to make sure the event is a memorable one.

“It’s the women of the Naperville Woman’s Club that make it special,” Gnesda said.

Naperville Woman’s Club Fine Art & Artisan Fair

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 25 and 26

Where: Naper Settlement, 523 Webster St., Naperville

Jeff Banowetz is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.