Along with items for sale, there was live entertainment, starting out with David Molinari, who played a myriad of songs on his guitar and harmonica. (Photo by David Pollard/for Chronicle Media)

Crestwood residents got a bit more than a check when they entered the village’s Recreation and Wellness Center Sunday.

On Nov. 13 when residents stopped in at the Crestwood Recreation Center, 5331 W. 135^th St. to pick up their annual real estate tax rebate checks the center was filled with music and plenty of art. What was going on at the same time was the Crestwood Art Council’s first Fine Arts Fair.

More than 50 tables with various kinds of art from pictures and books to homemade jewelry and pottery filled the center’s gymnasium.

Theresa Flynn, a village trustee and chair of the Crestwood Art Council, said they were inspired by a neighboring village’s art fair and decided to do one in Crestwood.

“We met as a council and reached out to artists,” she said.

Georgina Ellis of Gina Marie’s Illustrations, had some of her work on display. She is an art student and wanted to show off and sell her drawings as well as check out what other artists are up to.

“I think there is a lot of cool stuff here,” she said.

Loria Boyle, a local author had her books on sale at the fair. Prior to the event, she learned about it and decided to participate.

“I was working out here when I saw the flier,” she said.

Susan Zierk of Blue Island purchased a platter made by potter Linda Bravo of Bravo Creations.

Crestwood Trustee Anthony Benigno (right) and mayor Lou Presta (left) help residents get their tax refund checks at Crestwood Wellness and Recreation Center on Nov. 13 where the Fine Art Fair was taking place at the same time. (Photo by David Pollard/for Chronicle Media)

“Everything is handmade,” Bravo said about her pottery. “This is my first show here and if they do it again I’ll be happy to come back.”

Zierk plans to give the item she purchased as a Christmas gift.

“I’d rather do craft fairs than going to the mall,” she said. “I just started (looking around) and I’m sure I’ll buy a few more things.”

Along with items for sale, there was live entertainment, starting out with David Molinari, who played a myriad of songs on his guitar and harmonica. There was food available for patrons to purchase as well.

Mike Cozzolino of Crestwood was holding prints his mother had purchased while she looked over other items. He said the fair seemed like it was a big hit.

“There are a lot of people here,” he said. “It’s nice to see the community come together.”

Flynn describes the event like a sweet treat with a little extra. She hopes even more residents will come back to this and other events the art council plans in the future.

Residents at Crestwood Recreation and Wellness Center look at the various items on display during the village’s Fine Art Fair. (Photo by David Pollard/for Chronicle Media)

“Having the arts in the community is like having the frosting on the community,” she said.

Read the current issue of the Cook County Chronicle

Free subscription to the digital edition of the Cook County Chronicle

— Crestwood Art Council’s first Fine Arts Fair a success —