About The Lake Meadows Art Fair
Helen Y. West, former owner and curator of Neleh Galleries Ltd., is the organizer of the new Lake Meadows Art Fair. The year 2009 was a milestone year for the new Lake Meadows Art Fair. It represented the 5 Year Anniversary / Rebirth of the historic art fair that began in the 1950s. This year, 2010, we celebrate and recognize an important day in the history of African Americans, Juneteenth - the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.
Dr. Margaret Burroughs - artist, educator and founder of the DuSable Museum of African American History - conceived the original Lake Meadows Art Fair in the 1950's. At the inception of the original Lake Meadows Art Fair, African
American artists had limited venues to exhibit their work. The Lake Meadows Art Fair became one of the most anticipated exhibition for artists and collectors.
Ms. West resurrected the fair 6 years ago in support of many African American artists who would benefit by exhibiting their work to a wider audience and to honor the legacy of Dr. Margaret Burroughs. Participation in the event has now spread nationally to include an ethnically diverse group of artists from throughout the country. The fair has brought together families, local businesses and others to honor the African American presence in all areas of the arts.
"The Bronzeville community has again become a cultural destination for the arts in Chicago and the Lake Meadows Art Fair has a distinguised role in its continued evolution," stated Ms. West.
Since 2005 the Art Fair began a historical legacy of honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to the arts and to the community as a whole. All have made important contributions to the creation, presentation and preservation of art and culture for future generations to enjoy. Included in this legacy is the selection, recognition and featured work of visual artists in the community. This year, we are proud to feature Lowell Thompson. Additional featured artists and honorees in the past have included the following:
| Year | Honorees | Featured Artist |
| 2010 | Timuel Black Tony Burroughs Daniel Parker | Lowell Thompson |
| 2009 | South Side Community Art Center Diasporal Rhythms Muntu Dance Company | Dale Washington |
| 2008 | Jackie Taylor, BET Monica Haslip Niambi Jaha-Echols | Felicia Grant Preston |
| 2007 | Patrick Woodtor Gerald Sanders Richard Hunt | Patrick Thompson |
| 2006 | Dr. Carol Adams Abena Joan Brown Joan Crisler Special Recognition Susan Woodson | Roederick Vines |
| 2005 | Dr. Margaret Burroughs Sylvester Britton Melvin King | N/A |
Live musical entertainment is an important ingredient in the making of a fun and festive art fair and has also become a focal point of the Lake Meadows Art Fair. Entertainers who have joined the stage include:
Ari Brown, Jazz Musician
Dee Alexander, Jazz Vocalist
Ken Chaney Experience, Jazz Musicians
Maggie Brown, Jazz Vocalist
Al Mack, Jazz Vocalist & "Extraordinary Crooner"
Tammy McCann
Entertainment for 2010 is pending... Please check back frequently for updates!