Image courtesy of Alley Art Festival.

Just as Aurora Fest buttons became keepsakes in the ‘70s and ‘80s, Alley Art Festival posters are becoming sought after tokens of the annual event held the last Saturday of August on Water Street Mall in downtown Aurora. 

This year’s poster by local artist Chris Hodge features an updated goddess of the dawn with a “City of Lights” theme that pays tribute to Aurora’s 175th anniversary.

Hodge, of North Aurora, teaches art at Naperville Central High School and will be a returning art vendor at Alley Art Festival on August 25.  
Hodge’s poster is filled with 1920s flair with a contemporary goddess of the dawn. The goddess’s gown is made from electric wires and light bulbs, and she is holding a cord with a CFL light bulb attached. Along the bottom are two of the memory statues facing each other from the New York Street bridge.
Each year, a respected local artist is asked to design and donate a poster to promote the grassroots festival. Past posters were designed by Jen Evans and Lisa Gloria, both of Aurora.
In its third year, Alley Art Festival continues to bring together local artists, crafters, and musicians. The event is independently organized and artist-run.
The festival is sponsored by Downtown Auroran Magazine, Triple Threat Mentoring, Aurora Downtown, and City of Aurora.
Alley Art Festival takes place on Water Street Mall between Downer and Galena, next to City Hall, from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 25. For more information, find Alley Art Festival on Facebook or email downtownauroran@gmail.com.