Artists filled both the parking lot and the inside of the Hovland Town Hall. All photos by Tryg Solberg.

By Tryg Solberg - Boreal Community Media - July 10, 2024

It was a busy weekend at the 19th annual Hovland Arts Festival at the Hovland Town Hall. The organizers estimated 3,000 visitors on Saturday, July 6th, and 1,500 on Sunday, July 7th. These numbers are typical for years with pleasant weather conditions. They hosted 42 artists who sold work of many kinds including leatherwork, wood crafts, fiber art, and more. Six different bands played throughout the weekend under tents, offering a spot to relax after moseying about the booths. Food vendors served unique and affordable options to visitors. 

The Hovland Arts Festival is a showcase of local artists who (mostly, if not all) live in Cook County, and the density of skilled artists and makers is impressive. The Festival offers an excellent opportunity for artists to show off their work and for the North Shore community to come together to celebrate the work and enjoy fellowship. 

2025’s summer event is scheduled for July 5th and 6th, with no major changes planned. 

A winter version of the Festival typically takes place the day after Thanksgiving. 

 The beautiful weekend allowed for a seamless, busy weekend at the Hovland Town Hall. 

 Pete Kavanaugh played for some visitors on Sunday afternoon.

 The beautiful weekend allowed for a seamless, busy weekend at the Hovland Town Hall. 

  The beautiful weekend allowed for a seamless, busy weekend at the Hovland Town Hall. 

 Artists filled both the parking lot and the inside of the Hovland Town Hall.

 Lou Pignolet, a retired chemistry professor, holds one of his aspen burl bowls.