Photo Caption: Rockbrook Village Art Fair
Several artists have participated in the art fair from its early days. Joining Art fair director Charlie (Juanita) Galvan (l to r): Tom Hubbel (34 yrs.), Stoneware and Earthenware, Omaha, NE.; Loren Corell (38 yrs.), Acrylics, Chesterfield, MO.; Carroll Danbom (34 years), Pastels and Acrylics, Red Oak, IA.
The plaque behind the artists is dedicated to Gloria Mathews and reads as follows: Dedicated to the memory of Gloria E. Mathews, president of the Rockbrook Village Merchants’ Association in recognition of her love for Rockbrook Village
Rockbrook Village Art Fair Celebrates 40th Anniversary
Artists, art lovers, and volunteers converged on the 40th Annual Rockbrook Village Art Fair, September 10-11, 2011, in Omaha, Nebraska. The juried art fair attracted 150 talented artists and a crowd of 40,000 loyal customers to the outdoor show, which is conveniently located in an upscale shopping center with easy access to the interstate and major streets.
Over the years, the Rockbrook art fair has gained a reputation for treating artists well and meeting customer expectations for quality, variety, and value. Customers meet and talk with the artists who hail from around the country. Art fair director Charlie (Juanita) Galvan, said, “Our art fair is designed and dedicated to those that create and appreciate quality pieces of all varieties. Whether you are looking for glass, jewelry, leather, photography, printmaking, painting, sculpture, wood, ceramics or fiber.... you are sure to find something special at this one of a kind event. Along with our food court and fine dining at our restaurants it is always an exciting event.”
History of the Art Fair
In 1971, Gloria Mathews had the first Rockbrook Village art fair with 15 local artists. Known as the “Mayor of Rockbrook Village,” Gloria was able to grow this event into one of the best art fairs in Omaha. At the time of her death in 1991, the Rockbrook Village art fair was an established annual event, hosting over 150 artists from across the country.
Gloria also owned and operated a custom framing business in the shopping center. Charlie took over the business and direction of the art fair. By continuing the art fair, the artists and art lovers honor Gloria’s memory. It was her love of art and her vision to bring in the best artists possible that has made the Rockbrook Village art fair what it is today.
Note: For the last three years, Charlie also has directed the Countryside Village Art Fair in Omaha – Nebraska’s oldest outdoor art fair, which is held the first weekend of June.
The two art fairs would not be as successful without the support of the many loyal, long-time volunteers that return every year, handing out water to artists, assisting with show setup, shuttling artists to their vehicles, making artists feel welcome, and assisting with cleanup.
Charlie is a hands-on director. She can be seen wearing a ball cap as she walks the grounds, wielding a clipboard like a baton, taking notes, and issuing orders via walkie-talkie to her trusty volunteers in a friendly, yet assertive manner. She takes time to chat with the art lovers, shares stories with artists, and ensures that the artists have what they need to be successful.
Location:
Rockbrook Village Shopping Center is a lovely neighborhood setting for the Midwest’s best art fair!
Admission to the Rockbrook Village Art Fair is free to the public. Visitors will find a family-friendly atmosphere, along with a food court and fine dining at our restaurants such as the Garden Café, Jaipur, Pasta Amore, Taste, Don Carmelo’s Pizzeria, Java N’ Ice, Great Harvest Bread, Kristen’s Cookies, Cork ScrewWine & Cheese, and Regis Food Mart.
Contact
For more information about the art fair, contact Charlie (Juanita) Galvan:
Write: Rockbrook Village Art Fair 11004 Prairie Brook Rd Omaha, NE 68144
Call: 402-391-4745 Email: juanita@rockbrookvillageartfair.com
Art Fair Website: www.rockbrookvillageartfair.com
Shopping Center Website: www.rockbrookvillage.com
Comments
Excellent review. These shows that are run by volunteers who pour themselves into the events are so appreciated by artists and it is even better if they have good connections with their community and the community appreciates the art fair.
I have attended the Rockbrook Art Show several times as a artist (painter) and enjoyed every experience. Juanita and her group of volunteers know how to develop and promote a great art show. The quality of the art is excellent and diverse . The attendance has always been good . Artists always would like to have more sales but I have found the attendees at the show to be knowledgeable about art and will take the time to evaluate all the art available . That is about all we can expect as artists. The volunteers are always available with water or any assistance they can give you . This show ranks as a A+ in my mind . I always look forward to attending this show. Blessings,
Joseph Murray
Wayuga Art Studio
Jefferson, Iowa