CHICAGO, May 18 -- Neleh Artistic Expressions will present "Art Renaissance - Rebirth of the Lake Meadows Art Fair" on June 25-26, 2005. The fair will operate from 11am - 7pm on Saturday and 11am - 6pm on Sunday.

The venue, at 35th Street and Dr. Martin Luther King Drive, is in the heart of the rapidly revitalizing Bronzeville community. The invitational show will feature a wide array of multi-media works by professionals and students; crafts, including jewelry, quilts, dolls and books. There will be a student art contest, live entertainment and activities for children. Local, regional and national artists will be represented.

The original Lake Meadows art fair has a long history, beginning in 1956, when Dr. Margaret Burroughs, founder of the DuSable Museum of African American History, organized the premiere fair. Over the years, it was instrumental in launching the careers of many now prominent African American artists. This historic tradition is being resumed and will honor Chicago's art legends with a special tribute to Dr. Margaret Burroughs, Sylvester Britton and Melvin King. All are artists who emerged from the Bronzeville community to achieve national fame.

According to Helen West, proprietor of Neleh Artistic Expressions, which is spearheading the fair: "Bronzeville has always been the cultural heart of Chicago's African American community. We want the fair to emerge once again as THE destination for fine ethnic art and we want to attract a multicultural audience that appreciates what Bronzeville means to Chicago."

Lake Meadows, conveniently located near Michael Reese and Mercy Hospitals, was traditionally a key shopping destination on the near southside. The area suffered years of neglect but has recently enjoyed renewed interest because of its proximity to downtown (only a few blocks directly south of McCormick Place). Urban professionals are leading the resurgence of the area by renovating historic homes along King Drive and surrounding streets. A new tourism center will soon open on the corner of 35th & Dr. Martin Luther King Drive.

"Now is the time," says Helen West, "to top off development with a cultural renaissance. Ample free parking and spacious covered walkways insure, the fair will go on, even if it rains."

Source: Neleh Artistic Expressions

CONTACT: Helen West of Neleh Artistic Expressions, +1-312-225-5692

Web site: http://www.nelehgalleries.com/

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