A Raku glazed pot with lid by Barry Bernstein
Courtesy of Fine Line
Earlier this year, Fine Line lost a dear friend and volunteer, John Abel. He served on the board and gallery committee and crafted many of the furniture items found in the galleries and studios at Fine Line.
John, along with his wife, Carol, who passed away in 2017, was passionate about the arts in the St. Charles area. Their passion for the arts was truly inspiring, and over the years, they amassed an impressive art collection.
Fine Line inherited John and Carol’s extensive collection, which represents a lifetime of collecting, curating, and creating.
Beginning in the 1960s, their collection features art from Morocco, San Francisco and the Midwest. It was their wish that this collection benefit Fine Line.
To honor that wish, Fine Line is hosting an online auction of the art, with proceeds benefiting its mission of supporting and inspiring adults through art experiences and education. Items include sculpture, paintings and many of John’s original furniture designs.
Fine Line Creative Arts Center in St. Charles has been a hub for the arts in the St. Charles area and beyond for over 45 years.
With more than 40 instructors offering a wide variety of adult art classes and workshops, this not-for-profit organization has continued to grow and thrive. In addition to art classes and workshops, it features an impressive gallery showcasing work from artists across the country, as well as an artisan shop where local artists can sell their creations.
Fine Line also runs a weaving program for the visually impaired, a monthly art experience for members of Joshua Tree (a nonprofit in St. Charles that provides programs for young adults with intellectual disabilities who have aged out of public schools), and more recently, they have partnered with the Forest Preserve District of Kane County to create the Great Orb Hunt.
The auction will begin on July 18 at 10 a.m. and run until July 27 at 7 p.m. Anyone can bid on items; however, it is essential to note that successful bidders will be required to pick up their items from Fine Line — no items will be shipped. Go online at new.biddingowl.com/AbelArtCollection.
Fine Line is also inviting anyone who knew John Abel to join them on Aug. 16 from 2 to 4 p.m. for an event honoring him and celebrating his numerous contributions to the arts community in St. Charles. Light refreshments will be served during the event, and a brief program will begin at 2:30 p.m.
Those wishing to attend are kindly requested to RSVP by Aug. 8 at https://form.jotform.com/251765968789080
The Fine Line Creative Arts Center is located at 37W570 Bolcum Road, just west of Randall Road in St. Charles. For information, visit fineline.org.