Art Affair basks in sunshine

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The 11th Annual Art Affair on the Square lined downtown Urbana for artists to share their works with the community. Monument Square District hosted the event, with activities for all ages. Children could do art activities while families shopped, enjoyed live music on North Main Street, or went on the architectural tour.

Artists from different parts of Ohio sold artwork from paintings, to original literary works, to clothing. Monument Square northward filled with visitors, buyers, and stimulated business not only for artisans, but for local shops and eateries in the square.

This year’s featured artist, Todd Buschur, had a busy tent all day, and spoke with buyers about his art: “Inspiration comes in different ways for me; it is a form of meditation or prayer. I see a certain color or image and feel as if I need to do something with it.” If interested buyers missed the event or want a duplicate of a piece he was selling, they can visit the Hayley Gallery in New Albany, Ohio or search for his work on etsy.com, an online marketplace for independent sellers. Buschur has been selling art since 1991, and sold his first pieces at Teabaggers on North Main Street.

The event served as a marketing tool and a way to get involved in the community. New artists provided their information to interested buyers and were able to make a profit off of their creations. Food vendors set up in the square. “Tonya’s Concessions” was the newest vendor among the crowd.

Tents and booths were open to the public from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. and more than seven different musical groups performed while visitors made their way through the square. Monument Square District, Champaign County Arts Council, other sponsors, volunteers, and artists came together on Saturday for a great turnout. The sunny, warm day was perfect for walking around town and appreciating the arts.

The Champaign County Dulcimers perform on the steps of the courthouse Saturday morning during Art Affair.
https://www.urbanacitizen.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/2015/07/web1_dulcimer.jpgThe Champaign County Dulcimers perform on the steps of the courthouse Saturday morning during Art Affair. Brenda Burns|Urbana Daily Citizen

A tent displaying sculptures by local artist Mike Major draws admirers during Saturday’s Art Affair. Pictured in center is a sculpture of Ohio State football coaching legend Woody Hayes.
https://www.urbanacitizen.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/2015/07/web1_mike-major.jpgA tent displaying sculptures by local artist Mike Major draws admirers during Saturday’s Art Affair. Pictured in center is a sculpture of Ohio State football coaching legend Woody Hayes. Brenda Burns|Urbana Daily Citizen

Early arrivals to Art Affair on Saturday enjoyed cooler morning temperatures and a pleasant breeze as it opened in downtown Urbana at 10 a.m.
https://www.urbanacitizen.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/2015/07/web1_flower-on-walk.jpgEarly arrivals to Art Affair on Saturday enjoyed cooler morning temperatures and a pleasant breeze as it opened in downtown Urbana at 10 a.m. Brenda Burns|Urbana Daily Citizen

Penney Whisenhunt of Altra Design 2000 Inc. arranges pieces of her metal art on display during Art Affair on Saturday.
https://www.urbanacitizen.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/2015/07/web1_Altra_Design.jpgPenney Whisenhunt of Altra Design 2000 Inc. arranges pieces of her metal art on display during Art Affair on Saturday. Brenda Burns|Urbana Daily Citizen

By Olivia Cooper

For Civitas Media

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