The 25th Annual African Festival of the Arts took place over Labor Day weekend in Chicago’s historic Washington Park. The Annual four-day festival which attracts over 200,000 visitors brought food, art, music and entertainment in the form of a simulated African Village to the south side of Chicago.
The festival is well-known for its vast collection of Nubian fine art which includes original paintings, acrylics and pastels in addition to sculptures, wearable art and jewelry. Organizers from Africa International House said that “…the festival exposes and educates all peoples to the individual works and collective contributions of African cultures. …”
Other notable experiences included a: Drum & Afro-folk Village, Children and Family, African Heritage, African Spirituality, Wellness (Health) Village, Books and Authors, Fine Art, Film and Video, Food Court, Seniors and Quilting, Black Dolls (making and collecting) and the African Marketplace.
The festival also included notable musical performances from many artist including Billboard R&B 100s K’Jon.
By Paul O.