Trail set to open July 8
by Melanie Jongsma
CRETE, Ill. (July 1, 2021) – Small businesses in the southern suburb of Crete have banded together to develop a Crete Art Trail that will lure art enthusiasts to the historic town. The trail is a blend of art galleries, murals, and businesses that feature rotating art shows by local artists.
Evil Horse Brewing Company is sponsoring the Crete Art Trail, having recently opened the Liccar-Corral Gallery at the Seggebruch Building. The gallery currently features the artwork of local artist Tommy Zarlengo and plans to showcase a new artist every two months.
In addition to the Liccar-Corral Gallery, the trail includes the world-renowned Lotton Art Glass Gallery, Crete Creative Gallery and School at the Arbor House, the gallery at The Edge Coffee House, Gallery 1202 at the RAYofKINDNESS building, and the beautiful selection of artwork at the Crete Public Library.
Local artist Suzanne Dreher painted a series of three murals featuring scenes from Crete’s past. The art trail includes the series, highlighting the mural locations on the map included in the Crete Art Trail brochure. The original paintings are on display in the library.
Amy Kamp, General Manager of Evil Horse Brewing, created the art trail to bring more people to Crete. “After seeing the success we have had with the Dixie Highway Brewery Trail, I thought the same principle could work with the art galleries in town,” she said. “The craft brewing industry is the most collaborative business I have ever worked in, and I wanted to bring that same team spirit to the Crete Art Trail.”
Art lovers can pick up an art trail brochure at any of the participating galleries or at the Chicago Southland Lincoln Oasis on Interstate 80/94. The Crete Art Trail Facebook page also posts events, shows, and classes at participating trail galleries and businesses.
