The air-conditioned Artisans Building on the Illinois State fairgrounds was once the site of the Illinois professional artists' exhibit.
On March 16, 2022, Rosemary Buffington, Illinois State Fair Art Coordinator, sent a letter to past participating professional artists informing them that this year’s State Fair will no longer include a professional art exhibit. Her letter expressed her personal regret and an explanation of how hard she worked to advocate that this cut be spared.
She explained that the wine growers in Illinois will be taking over the air-conditioned Artisans Building instead.
Rosemary’s letter states: “The new State Fair Manager, Rebecca Clark, only wants to keep the Junior and Amateur Art exhibits at the Fair…if you want to write to her or to the Director of Agriculture, Jerry Costello, please do. Letters, emails, or telephone calls to the Governor and First Lady as well, couldn’t hurt.”
Rosemary provided the following contact information for professional artists to express their opinions about this recent decision.
Rebecca Clark
State Fair Manager
Emmerson Building
801 E. Sangamon Avenue
State Fairgrounds
P.O box 19427
Springfield, Illinois 62794-9427
Director of Agriculture
Jerry Costello
State of Illinois Department of Agriculture
P.O. Box 19281 State Fairgounds
Springfield, IL 62794-9281
Phone: 217-782-2172
Governor JB Pritzker
Springfield
Office of the Governor
207 State House
Springfield, IL 62706
Phone: 217-782-6830 or 217-782-6831
Chicago
Office of the Governor
James R. Thompson Center
100 W. Randolph, 16-100
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: 312-814-2121
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