Attendee Information
A letter from the expo organizers – Gail & Irene:
Dear Artist,
Welcome to Learning & Product Expo: Art!, a unique experience where you, the artist, can take classes in every medium and technique imaginable and visit TWO exhibit halls packed with art material manufacturers. Learn about art supplies direct from the maker and buy at great prices!
The 3rd Annual Chicagoland Western Suburbs event will take place July 10-12 with classes beginning July 9. Online regstration will go live on May 1. The class listing will become available on that day. Before then, we will update the website periodically with the Free Demonstration schedule, exhibitor list, special events and more - so check back often.
For 2009, plan on seeing more exhibitors, Blick giveaways, a Juried Art Show, the return of Top Artist and much more fun! Also - state of Illinois teachers can earn CPDU credits by taking our workshops.
If you are new to the expo, this page of information will help answer questions you may have about the event, and give you an idea of what to expect when you arrive on-site. Did you know that you can visit the Expo only or take classes as well! Show up and Paint! If you'd like to take a class, we provide everything you need, with a few noted exceptions.
If we still haven’t answered your questions, please click here and contact us directly. We look forward to seeing you this summer in Chicago!
Sincerely,
Gail & Irene
Fishback/Gruen, LLC
Artists of all skill levels are invited!
Whether you have been painting for years, or never picked up a brush, please know that there is something for everyone at the expo. Hobbyists, professional artists, students and teachers all will enjoy the event.
What you can do at the expo:
You can spend an hour, a day or a whole weekend with us and take advantage of the following:
Exhibit Hall:
You can visit two exhibit halls filled with booths of your favorite art material manufacturers. In the exhibit halls, talk to the experts and learn more about different art products. Try and buy art products at great prices. Stop by the Free Demonstration area where we’ll have an ongoing schedule of demonstrations in all mediums, taught by top artists. Top Artist is a competition like American Idol or Top Chef that pits attendees against each other in fun quick painting challenges. The winners and participants receive great prizes. Entry information will be posted soon.
Classes:
are offered in all mediums, from a 1 ½ hour lecture to a 3 hour or all day 6 hour hands-on-workshop. Prices range from $45 and up for a lecture and $75 - $140 & up for hands-on-workshops. All products are provided for use in class, unless otherwise noted. You can just show up, ready to paint! You can even decide that day to take a class, but please remember registering early will save you time & money. CPDU's are available for teachers!
Venue:
The venue is the Hickory Ridge Marriott & Conference Center in Lisle, IL. See the Getting There page for the most accurate driving directions, hotel reservation and parking information. We have a special room rate for our group - see that page for instructions and a link to online reservations.
Hotel activities & restaurant info:
Bring your friends and family, even if they aren't artists. There is plenty for them to do! The venue offers guests walking trails, basketball, volleyball, tennis and racquetball courts, a fitness center with cardio and free weights and indoor lap pool. Golf facilities and a bowling alley are nearby. The Cubs and White Sox are home all weekend and there are tons of downtown Chicago attractions to enjoy. Before class, you can pick up a coffee, muffin or bagel near the registration area. Bring a bag lunch or purchase affordable sandwiches, drinks and chips and eat in the wooded picnic area at the hotel. Or, you can dine in the restaurant where a full buffet ($13.95) or menu items ($5.95-$8.95 & up) are served. Meals are also served in the sports bar when the restaurant is closed for a period of time during the day.
Exhibit Hall times & information:
There is a $10 badge fee. All attendees receive a $5 coupon for use in the Blick art stores, a FREE gift from Blick Art Materials and a FREE copy of The Artist's magazine. You can spend one day or come back for more! Your badge is good for all three days. The exhibit hall is open Friday, July 10 from 10 am – 6 pm, Saturday, July 11 from 10 am – 6 pm and Sunday, July 12 from 10 am – 4:30 pm. Please note that while classes begin Thursday July 9, the exhibits do not open until Friday.
Class information:
Classes begin Thursday July 9 and run through Sunday, July 12. For the best selection of classes, and to save money, pre-register online or by phone or fax by July 2. You are welcome to sign up for classes on-site, based upon availability. You'll be able to look at a list available classes when you come in person. After July 2, there is a $10 surcharge per class. Refund requests are only allowed prior to July 2, and must be in writing. See cancellation policy on Register Now page.
What to do when you arrive:
If you pre-register, the only confirmation you’ll receive is by e-mail. If you don’t have an e-mail address, rest assured you are in the system. You are welcome to call the toll free registration line to confirm.
On the first day of your class, please arrive at the Woodlands Room Expo registration 30 minutes prior to start time in order to pick up your badge and tickets, and to locate your classroom. You’ll pick up all your class tickets at once. Once you pick up your tickets, you will be directed to your classrooms by people or directional signage located in the registration area. The facility is easily accessible, and in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities act.
