Art Spectacular at the Carillon

A juried Fine Art & Fine Craft Fair

Celebrate 21 Years of Art, Music & Community

Join Us for the 21st Anniversary of Central Illinois’ Premier Fine Art Festival! Art Spectacular at the Carillon is a top-ranked juried fine art show named one of the Best 200 Art Fairs in the U.S. by Sunshine Artist Magazine.

📅 September 12, 2026 – September 13, 2026

📍 Washington Park, Springfield, IL (at the Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon)

🕰️ Saturday: 10 AM–5 PM | Sunday: 10 AM–4 PM

🎟️ Free Admission | Family-Friendly | Rain or Shine

This year’s festival brings together 40+ exceptional artists from across the Midwest and beyond, showcasing original, museum-quality works in a wide variety of media, including:

• Painting
• Sculpture
• Photography
• Jewelry
• Ceramics
• Mixed Media
• Wood & Glass Art

More Than Just Art

Founded in 2006 by Rees Carillon Society Board Member, Barb Walker, Art Spectacular is a multi-experience festival of art and music that attracts approximately 5,000 art lovers, families, and collectors each year. This professionally juried fine art and craft show features collector and museum-quality works in a range of price points—from $50 to $7,500.

Art Spectacular is more than a fine art show—it’s a full weekend experience for all ages:

🎨 Live Artist Demonstrations – Watch talent in action

🎶 Live Music Performances – Relax and enjoy local musicians

👧 Kids’ Place & Kids Only Art Sale – Creative fun for young artists

🍔 Food Vendors – Delicious local eats and treats

🎁 Silent Auction & Gift Basket Raffle – Support the Carillon and win big

Event Details

Date: September 12-13, 2026

Time: Saturday, September 12th 10 AM–5 PM | Sunday, September 13th 10 AM–4 PM

Admission: Free!

Pets: For the safety of pets, people, and artwork, only licensed service animals are allowed

Event Contact: Connie Heskett, Chair

📧 [email protected] | 📞 217-306-1838

Location & Parking

Washington Park, 1740 W Fayette Ave, Springfield, IL

The event takes place near the Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon.

Free parking available throughout the park and surrounding streets. The area is ADA accessible with paved paths and restrooms nearby.

Welcome to our 2026 Artists!

Come listen to the talented 2026 Musicians!

Every Hour on the Hour: Carlo van Ulft – Carillonist, Rees Memorial Carillon

Why Attend?

• Unique, high-quality artwork you won’t find anywhere else
• Perfect for families, art collectors, and weekend explorers
• Supports the historic Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, the 5th largest carillon in the world

Support the Carillon: Donate to the Silent Auction or Raffle

Your donations help preserve and promote the Rees Carillon’s legacy. We welcome contributions of gift certificates, themed baskets, or unique items for our silent auction and raffle.

If you are interested in donating for the silent auction or raffle, please contact Betty at [email protected]

Don’t Miss Springfield’s Premier Fine Art Festival

Make a weekend of it and celebrate 21 years of art, music, and community under the chimes of the iconic Rees Carillon.

Stay Updated

Follow us on Facebook for artist features, event updates, and behind-the-scenes sneak peeks!

With our Thanks to These

Generous 2026 Sponsors:

*REES CARILLON SOCIETY*
*SPRINGFIELD PARK DISTRICT*
*THE CARILLON BELLES*
*WASHINGTON PARK BOTANICAL GARDEN*

MEDIA SPONSOR

EVENT SPONSOR

SILVER SPONSOR

DAVID & LAURIE FARREL

BRONZE SPONSORS

Evelyn M. Thomas

PRESIDENT’S CLUB

Mary Anne Elson

Kathryn Ransom

Wanda and Don Tracy

Troxell

Barb Walker

FRIENDS OF THE CARILLON SPONSOR

By-Pass Autobody & Towing-24hrs

Tom & June Harmon

Ann & Greg Hurst

Joe & Lynn McMenamin

Ray & Mary Beth Roland

P.H. Broughton & Sons, Inc

Lois Pitz

Premiere Audio Visual Inc

Linda Williams Hammer

Rob & Kim Flesher

Ryan Electrical Solutions

Leslie Sgro, Park Board President

Warren-Boynton State Bank

Diana Widicus MD

Sharon Zook

Carlo & Stephanie van Ulft

IN-KIND SPONSORS

Ace Hardware – Wabash

IHOP

Mel-O-Cream Donuts

Pasfield Golf Course

Roman Catholic Diocese of Spfld

SPONSORS & DONORS

Please contact Connie Heskett at 217-306-1838 or [email protected].

MUSICIANS

Would you like to showcase your talent and donate an hour or two of your time for the benefit of Springfield’s historical musical treasure, the Rees Memorial Carillon?

Please contact Lucy Yockey at [email protected].

VOLUNTEERS

To be an awesome volunteer, please submit the Volunteer Application Form below; or please contact Connie Heskett at [email protected], (217) 306-1838.

50 Volunteers are needed in half-day or full-day shifts:

• Friday: 8:00 am-5:00 pm -or- 8 am-Noon -or- 11:00 am-5:00 pm
• Saturday and Sunday: 8:00 am-5:30 pm -or- 8:00 am-1:00 pm -or- Noon-5:30 pm
• Sunday 4 pm – 7 pm: 8:00 am-4:30 pm -or- 8:00 am-1:00 pm -or- Noon-4:30 pm -or- 4:00 pm-7:30 pm
• Friday: Event set-up
• Saturday and Sunday: staffing for the parking lot, gates, gift basket raffle, kids’ art sale, hospitality, refreshments on wheels, etc.
• Sunday: 4 pm – 7 pm: Event break-down and pack-up.

 2026 Artist Award Winners: 

Best of Show – TBD

1st Place Fine Art – TBD

1st Place Fine Craft – TBD

2nd Place Fine Art – TBD

2nd Place Fine Craft – TBD

Best New Artist – TBD

Favorite Artist – TBD

We are grateful and appreciate our enthusiastic Volunteers who keep our artists and patrons happy and help make this a successful fundraiser for the Rees Memorial Carillon.