Art on the Square May 15th-17th
Art on the Square was back for its 24th year. This year they focused on showing that art is just more than what is on the canvas. Art on the Square focused on showing that artwork is what helps unite communities and to find commonalities amongst one another. To put on a show of that size and scope, it took a combined effort of the Board of Directors, Committee Chairs and many volunteers.This year featured an area for local high school artists to display their works. Each visitor to the high school art section had a chance to vote for their favorite display. It was difficult to pick just one as there are many talented high schoolers in the area. This event awarded a total of $31,000 to the artists across various awards.
Awards
1 Best of show $5000
11 Best of Category $1500
8 Awards of Excellence $500
1 Barbara Hauser King Memorial Award $500
1 Art on the Square Committee’s Choice $1000
1 Joan Voss Renner Memorial Award $1500
1 Memorial Foundation Healing Arts Award $2500
Art on the Square brought in artists from the surrounding cities such as; St. Louis MO, Antioch IL, Belleville IL, Wildwood MO. Plus artists from Wisconsin, Ohio, Alabama, Florida and more. Along with displaying works from the artists there was a Children’s Art Garden that let kids do Make and Take projects. Don’t worry if you missed this year, mark your calendar’s as next year is set for May 14th-16th 2027.
Midwest Growers Symposium
May 16th
The 4th Midwest Growers Symposium took place in O’Fallon Missouri and hosted over 20 different vendors that offered genetics, flower, seeds, clones, and edibles to the participants. Each symposium they collect canned and non perishable goods to donate to a local food bank to help those in need. This year they were able to donate 250 pounds of food to the Arnold Food Bank. The rain predicted in the forecast could not keep the turnout from happening at this event. Doors opened at 11am and the vendors were ready to meet attendees. We were able to stop by each table or booth and see what everyone had to offer. We spoke to a few vendors about genetics, seeds, and pressing certain strains. During the event they had keynote speakers that covered various topics. There were presentations covering soil nutrition to making dry sift hash. This year a best in show flower competition was held with the winner getting a title belt to show off. Follow Midwest Growers Symposium on instagram for updates on future events.
Market 96 Grand opening
May 16th
Market 96 had a grand opening celebration Saturday May 16th in their parking lot. It featured local craft items made from people in the area. Market 96 also had specials in store for certain brands on site. This event was free to the public.
