Kudos to Debbie Venezia for Her Expertise Organizing the Riverwalk Fine Art Fair in Downtown Naperville Since 2005!

Debbie Venezia is a powerhouse of creative production -- from working as Executive Director of the annual Riverwalk Fine Arts Fair each year to her full-time position as Director of Arts DuPage, Debbie's touch is behind many of the wonderful creative opportunities available across DuPage County.

Debbie Venezia may or may not be a household name, but every year 40,000 people attend and enjoy an annual two-day event she painstakingly coordinates in downtown Naperville, IL -- the Riverwalk Fine Arts Fair, slated this year for September 19-20, 2026, from 10 AM to 5 PM.

Since 2005, Debbie has been the executive director of this enormous, juried art fair rated as one of the top in the country. Attracting participating artists from all over the nation, the fair features about 150 creatives working in 2D and 3D media. It requires tremendous logistic muscle to coordinate all its moving parts from jurying-in artists to working with the City of Naperville and the park district on trash pickup, security, street closures, food trucks, parking, live music, water for the artists, volunteers, securing a special event commercial art grant (SECA), street banners, publicity, local merchants and hotels, insurance certificates, and so much more.

Booths measure 10 x 12 and artists are not only judged for their artistry and originality, but also on the attractiveness of their booth setup. Booths cost $450 with an initial $35 entry fee. The night before the event opens, Debbie personally uses a chalk and rolling measuring wheel to outline each and every booth location!

Definitely, organizing this show is not for the faint of heart!

"My goal is to make the artist experience as easy as possible," Debbie says reflecting on the work involved including negotiating local hotel rates to accommodate them. She even makes sure they enjoy a continental breakfast on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

So, how does she choose participating artists?

"If I can buy it at a local store, then it's not right for our show," Debbie explains. "I also try to keep the show balanced across about 14 art categories so there's something for everyone. From glass, metal, wood, sculpture, ceramic, watercolor, acrylic, photography and others, I want artists to show me something I haven't seen before."

The art show's genesis started humbly in 1985 as a partnership between three local organizations including a real estate developer and the Naperville Art League. The goal was to help promote Naperville as an attractive place to live and work. Today, the art league is the sole organizer, and the event is its primary fund-raiser.

Obviously, this show is a lot of work, and Debbie says she has already started planning for 2027. So, what does she enjoy most?

"My favorite part is watching it all come together," she observes. "We go from a local street along the riverwalk to the vibrancy and magic of a thriving art show. That overnight transformation never ceases to fascinate me. Plus, I love all the interaction with the artists who come out each year to show their work. Every year is unique and I can never predict the unexpected challenges that can arise setting up the show. It comes down to just remaining flexible and nimble with whatever comes our way."

And with that, I'd like to give Debbie a BIG Thank You for her unwavering dedication to producing this successful show each and every year enjoyed by artists and patrons alike. As it enters its 41st year, be sure to attend and celebrate the talent gathered there from across the country -- you'll definitely have a great time! ###