Frankfort Fair Showcases Local Artists, New Arts Group (VIDEO)

FRANKFORT, IL — Over the weekend, Breidert Green in downtown Frankfort was transformed into an outdoor gallery, showcasing the work of local artists. But the goal of Saturday's Frankfort Fine Art Fair wasn't just to introduce visitors to a variety of artists from the village and around the area. It also was an opportunity to spread the word about the Frankfort Arts Association, a new nonprofit group designed to foster the arts in the community.

"Our goal was to really kick off our whole new organization and spread the word and let people know that we're starting this group," Kristin Murphy, the FAA's vice president, said about the fair.

According to its mission statement, the Frankfort Arts Association is "[d]edicated to enhancing the community through creation, education, promotion and appreciation of the arts." To accomplish that, the group hopes to sponsor gallery exhibits and pop-up shows; offer art classes, workshops and lectures; and initiate public artwork projects. One of the association's biggest goals is to secure a space in the village that could become not only a home for the organization but a center to host a variety of arts events.

The Frankfort Arts Association is in its early stages, and it's looking to create partnerships with the village and other community groups, as well as attract residents interested in volunteering or becoming members. Murphy said she received a good deal of encouraging feedback from people attending Saturday's fair, and the group collected contact information from quite a few individuals who might well become the foundation for this new organization.

And the positive reactions weren't reserved just for the art lovers visiting the weekend event. Area artists have been excited about the prospect of a group designed to help the arts flourish in Frankfort, Murphy said.

"I think a lot of people don't know about the arts in Frankfort at all. … So we're really hoping that this will bring artists together in Frankfort."

Watch the above video for the full interview with Frankfort Arts Association Vice President Kristin Murphy to learn more about the organization. And go to the organization's website to for more information about how you can become involved.

Kristin Murphy (left) and Mandy Flores of the Frankfort Arts Association at the Frankfort Fine Arts Fair on Saturday, June 16, at Breidert Green. (Photo by Joe Vince | Patch)