By: Kendra Paredes Hayden

"The Baby" of the top ten art shows has hit #1 nationwide this year. Ranked by Greg Lawler's Art Fair Source Book, the ultimate guide to juried art shows, 7-year-old Art on the Square owes much of its success to its original goals and objectives.

"I had the first meeting with a group of wonderful ladies who are still with the event," Patty Gregory, Art on the Square founding director, said. "We wanted it to be the smallest and most exclusive number one show in the nation. That was always our vision."

Art on the Square will be showcasing artists from 43 states and five countries at the three-day event in May. In addition, about 75 new artists will be coming to sell their work and to watch the people enjoy the many activities and festivities.

"We keep it to about 105 artists every year," Patty said. "It's always nice to have a mixture of the new and the old. It puts a fresh look on the show, and it offers the best of both worlds."

According to DeDe Farquhar, Art on the Square's Publicity Director, among the talented new artists to look for at the fair will be Jody DePew McLeane and Linette Arakawa.

Pastelist Jody DePew McLeane is a 1967 graduate of Lindewood College. Her work is often derived from actual situations, and she is motivated by her experiences at the theater and in travel. "She handles light in her work exquisitely," DeDe said.

In addition, Linette Arakawa is from Hawaii. She makes jewelry using sea glass that she collects off the beaches of Hawaii. DeDe said her booth was packed when she was here a few years ago. People have never stopped asking about her. Patty said Art on the Square has impacted Belleville in a multitude of ways. "It makes people from all over sit back and take notice of Belleville. They see how education and culture go hand and hand for the people of Belleville," she said.

Look for more artist and their profiles in Lipstik Magazine......