"Art on Main" Next Weekend

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[In recent months the work of Du Quoin artist Jack Harris has been on display in the restaurants of Carbondale and Du Quoin and he began to think how wonderful it would be for all local student and adult artists to have a venue for their work, as well.

Thanks to a new Du Quoin art committee that includes Yvonne Morris Spencer, Kathy West, Jean Bullock, Holly Burke, Andrea Collins, Jack Harris, Candace Manning and Angie Vogel that's about to happen.

The 'Art on Main' project is coming to downtown Du Quoin April 21-28.

"During this event we will be displaying artwork produced by local and student artists," according to a letter going out to businesses this week. "Our two goals for the event are: 1. to get people in your stores and buildings downtown and 2. to promote the arts for all ages."

Main Street from Washington to Hickory will be blocked off from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 21, the date of the project's Grand Opening.

All side streets will be available for parking as will the city parking lots. If weather permits, some art may be displayed on Main Street itself.

"Only with your support will this event be successful, or even possible. We are working with local artists and the Du Quoin schools and anticipate that Du Quoin students (potentially over 700) will have their art on display. Student artwork will be mounted on foam core boards. Adult artists will be responsible for having their work display-ready," the committee writes.

"We realize we might be asking businesses to be open additional hours on April 21, but we envision having our artists (both young and adult), parents, grandparents, etc. in your stores and buildings."

"Weather permitting, an informational area at the mini park will be available with maps showing the location of the displays. In the event of inclement weather it will be moved to city hall.

If you would like to participate or be a host site contact Yvonne Morris Spencer at (618) 527-1661 or Kathy West at (618) 534-9710 soon.