Des Plaines Arts Council Board of Directors recently
gathered at the Library to finalize plans for Des Arts, Friday – Sunday, October 19, 20, and 21, 2012, at the Des Plaines Library, 1501 Ellinwood Street.  Des Arts, a free fine arts weekend extravaganza, begins with a Wine and Cheese Reception, 6 - 8:30 PM, Friday, October 19, 2012.  Friday’s entertainment includes photographs by the Des Plaines Camera Club, the Hawaiian Singing Group, Oakton Community College’s OMG Improv Company, the Northwest Symphony Orchestra Ensemble, and a choral group. Family Day, Saturday, October 21, 2012, will feature the Sol Azteca Mexican Folk Dance group, the Dillon-Gavin School of Irish Dance, the Dance of India troupe and the Art of Street Dance (hip hop), taught and demonstrated by Richard Ashworth.  In addition, local artist Kristine Plum will provide a painting demonstration, Kathy Passi will introduce scratchboard drawing and Ed Dougal will demonstrate printmaking. Local artist Rhonda Popko
will be supervising the painting of a community mural throughout the day on Saturday. In the Poetry Alcove and on the Story Tree Stage Jim Chrzan will demonstrate drumming, Toni Rowitz will conduct classes in poetry writing, and Sayge will provide readings.  The Destiny
Ramblers will play country folk music, a demonstration will be presented by the Camera Club and Christy, the Strolling Storyteller, will entertain kids of all ages.  On Sunday afternoon, October 22, 2012, (time to be announced) Maine
West High School theatre students and the Northwest Choral Society will perform. Visual Art Competitions will be conducted throughout the three day festival, with a chance to win prizes and the History Center will host an exhibit on “Art in Des Plaines Through the Years.” Professional art work will be judged by a panel of local dignitaries. 
(pictured above left to right) Des Plaines Arts Council Board of Directors and  Des Arts Sub-Committee Members Patti Interante, Oakton Community College Theatre Department;  Donna Catlett, City of Des Plaines; Chris Posinger, Des Plaines Public Library;  Jo
Bonell, Des Plaines Public Library; Christy Piskiewicz, Resident Member; and Saran Larsen, Northwest Symphony Orchestra, review plans for Des Arts, October 19-21, 2012, at the Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood Street. Des Plaines Mayor Martin J. Moylan recently presented a
proclamation declaring the month of October as National Arts and Humanities Month to the members of the Des Plaines Arts Council in his City Hall Office.  For more information on Des Arts visit www.dppl.org/des-arts/, www.dpartcouncil.org or contact Jo Bonell at jbonell@dppl.org, 847-376-2789.