Thousands of people will gather at the grounds of Good Shepherd Hospital this weekend for the 38^th annual Art in the Barn festival.

The juried art festival sponsored by the Auxiliary of Good Shepherd Hospital will feature about 160 artists from all over the country specializing in a variety of mediums from fine artwork to jewelry making.

“In February, they put a call out to artists. There are three judges, and they are critiqued based on how good their work is but also what medium they are in,” explained volunteer Pam Weinert.

With 160 artists’ work on display, there is something for all art lovers to enjoy.

“A lot of people buy Christmas presents. There are pricing categories for everyone. It’s not just really expensive stuff, there’s something for everyone…There are artists that come that have items for $2,” Weinert said.

In addition to artwork on display, there will also be entertainment from a number of performers including Bataille Academie of the Danse and Barrington Children’s Choir. A big hit among little ones every year is the pony rides and kids’ art tent.

Throwing an event of this size is no easy task, but a team of dedicated volunteers put in long hours to make it happen year after year.

“I think the event itself is exciting. People really equate Art in the Barn with a kick-off to the fall,” Weinert said.

Tickets for Art in the Barn are $5, and parking is free. All proceeds benefit Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 22-23. 

The top ten selling artists for 2011 Art in the Barn: 

 Doug Collins

Marie Lamothe

Kathleen Zien

Marzena Weber (also Best of Fiber)

Beata Krupa (also Best of Jewelry)

Teresa DeVer

Cheryl Holz (also Best of Acrylic)

Russ Erickson (also Best of Mixed Media)

Sandy James

Gary Jackson (also Best of Ceramics) 

Other award winners for 2011 were:

 Best of Glass: Robert Stewart

Best of Drawing: Sylvia Westgard

Best of Watercolor: Richard Helland

Best of Oil: Kendall Wallor

Best of Show: Michelle McCune

Best of Pastel: Lynn Miller

Best of Sculpture: Stephen Winer

Best of Wood: John Sternickle