The Boneyard Arts Festival, hosted by 40 North, returned to Champaign-Urbana this past weekend. It featured over 50 venues and dozens of artists from across Central Illinois.
The three-day indoor market drew together dozens of artists for a celebration of handmade goods. The festival transformed cafes, theaters and even yoga studios into colorful showcases of local creativity.
At the festival, artists of all disciplines and expertise share and sell their work, highlighting the power of collaboration among organizations and businesses.
Herra Winn, drag queen extraordinaire, self-described queen mother of Herratics, high priestess of the Herrasy and enemy of the imperium of man, performed Saturday night at The Space.
“Drag is more conceptual art, and conceptual art is still very much a valid form of art,” Winn said. “My art is me. I put my makeup on my face, and I use that to show the world a good time. In these trying times, somebody has to be a light.”
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Winn’s performance was just one example of the festival’s dedication to showcasing the diversity of artistic expression. The festival embraces all art forms, encouraging people of all backgrounds to participate and experience art in a way that feels personal and meaningful.
Winn’s show offered glitter, humor and community as a contrast to the visual stillness of the market. While her medium may be performance, her message is shared by many Boneyard artists — art should be felt.
Stacey Storm, retired teacher-turned-acrylic painter, embodies that belief literally.
Her work, shown at BÄM! Boneyard Arts Market!, features vibrant acrylic paintings embedded with glass and textured objects. She seals her paintings with a resin finish that gives them a glass-like shine.
“I like to touch things, so when I see something like a beautiful piece of wood, I like to touch it,” Storm said. “So, I wanted my art to be touchable. A lot of times you see signs that say ‘Do not touch,’ but in my booth, you’ll see signs that say ‘Please touch.’”
Many visitors are often pleasantly surprised to interact with Storm’s pieces in a hands-on way. For Storm, this year’s festival marked her first time participating, and she saw it as a valuable opportunity to showcase her art locally and get her name out into the community.
At the Gilbert Gallery, 42 artists were represented, both indoors and outdoors.
One artist, Alfonso Valdes, retired Grainger faculty member, now devotes his time to small, introspective works on paper. These works are based on still life themes and range from oils and watercolors to pastels.
He’s also an avid musician who plays guitar, ukulele, mandolin and even performed renaissance lute at the gallery.
Valdes discussed the significance of attending festivals like Boneyard Arts.
“I think with festivals like this, it is more of an event,” Valdes said. “I hope festival goers realize in general that there are people who do this … I hope people take away an appreciation, not just in my case, but for all the exhibitors, that some of us do this with our fingers.”
Valdes takes great pride in showcasing his work. One piece he is particularly proud of is a detailed drawing of a feather, so realistic that it has garnered significant praise from the community.
His work has also found a place in local venues, including 25 O’Clock and the now-closed Café Kopi.
Though their styles differ, all three artists share the belief that creativity — in all its forms — deserves a platform.
That is the essence of Boneyard.
Whether it is a drag queen performing on stage, the texture of a mixed-media painting or the quiet presence of a graphite drawing, the festival celebrates the many ways people in C-U choose to make and share art.
