Gosh are we lucky. This past weekend, my husband, Max, and I supported eight local businesses and took in some local art. There’s often so much to do in the Fox Valley area that we have to pick and choose as it’s impossible to do everything. This weekend was not an exception.
We got a headstart on “Never Stay at Home November” coined by New York real estate agent Lorie Cooper. Cooper suggests going out to bars and restaurants, especially to meet people and be part of the community. “Why stay home? Get off that warm tush and get out,” Cooper said on Today with Jenna and Friends.
Our weekend kicked off with a family dinner at Gray’s Mill in downtown Montgomery. I love their fish fry. They have yummy fish and chips on their menu, too, but on Friday’s they have Elmer’s fish fry with a baked potato. Delicious.
Then Max and I headed to Atrevete Cafe to finally check out their new location after being regulars at their now shuttered spot across from Gray’s Mill in downtown Montgomery. They were hosting a local art show for the first time at their east side location in a historic building on Lincoln Avenue, part of the redeveloped Copley Hospital property.
The place was filled with people when we arrived, and I was excited to see co-owner Jacqui Mejia who also is a pastry chef, so a visit to the dessert case was in order. I got the best Oreo cheesecake. Wow. This fall, I recommend also trying their hibiscus apple cider.
We ran into friends, saw some great art, enjoyed DJ music, and I took home a Frankenstein art print. Before we left, we posed with a fun Beetlejuice Halloween display outside and took some photos. I can’t wait to go back. There’s lots of nearby parking and it’s easy to get to by car or bike.
Next, Max and I visited Lumenaura on the third floor of The DLP art and history center at 20 E. Downer Pl. in downtown Aurora. We attended the opening weekend and saw the light festival’s outdoor displays, but had yet to see the indoor artwork which includes several local artists. Aurora artists featured are Johnny Felix, Juan Sepulveda, Raul Rodea, Dada SoulFace, Lita Lu, Alexis Patino, Amy Tannenbaum, Derrick McCurdy, Antok Witek, Melisa Celaya, and Clinton Green.
Dada SoulFace, who is known for his mixed media collage work, said he “wanted to step outside my comfort zone by including a couple of paintings.” He added that he felt honored to be part of the show, “It’s a beautiful space.” SoulFace also applauded the efforts of Sangeeta Pande, who is the gallery curator. “Sangeeta did an excellent job with what she had to work with, especially since she’s doing it all on her own,” he said as he noted that previously there were two staff members at Aurora Public Art.
It was nice visiting the gallery at night with the artwork lit up. There are also large-scale Lumenaura displays by visiting artists that are worthwhile to check out.
We then walked over to The Venue to see Chicago blues artist Nathan Graham perform. The Venue does a great job, and this was no exception. Graham is a real treat to see live, and especially so when he’s just a few blocks from our home. Lucky.
On Saturday, we stopped by Homegrown Health Farms in Oswego for their fall family day. We’re members of the farm, which is possible with a nominal subscription fee. Again, we were blown away. The farm is only 20 minutes from our house, and it’s like escaping to Kansas. We loved the alpacas, and they also have horses and chickens. They offer a roadside stand that is open at select hours.
I first met Sarah and Rachel, the farmers at Homegrown Health Farms, when I hosted Art and Market at Society 57. They’d sell their popular microgreens at the market. Now they are doing a bang-up job of expanding offerings at the family farm.
After we went home and ate sandwiches for lunch with tasty sourdough bread from the farm, we stopped by an anniversary party at Yellow Bird Books for their second year. It’s such a joy to step into Aurora’s only independent bookstore, and even more so when there’s a party. We caught musician John Klatt on the bookstore’s stage with his guitar. I stocked up on some journals, and ran into lots of friends, both new and old.
Capping off our Saturday adventures was a trip to McCarty Mills to eat Flo’s 2AM Tacos. Flo Gutierrez and his son, Mateo, make killer tacos, and their veggie tacos are to die for. Another treat, more friends, such luck.
I admit that we stayed mostly at home on Sunday. I did stop at Harner’s a few blocks from our house on Galena and picked up the best apple cider doughnuts along with super yummy pumpkin glazed doughnuts. They have a list of Halloween doughnuts and cookies that can be ordered for the holiday. Note to self to order some.
We ended our weekend by eating Gario’s Pizza in my mom’s empty living room. Her house just sold, and we wanted to have one last evening in her beautiful and special home before passing along the torch. We picked up a taco pizza at Gario’s and ate it picnic style on my mom’s floor.
Right now, as injustices are far and wide, it’s important to see and acknowledge the ways that we are lucky, so we can share that fortune with others. As SoulFace said, “Community is the real currency.”
Add these events to your calendar:
October 25 Free movie “The Birds” at The Venue, Aurora (see page 6)
November 7 First Fridays, Aurora
November 14 Second Fridays, Batavia
November 14 through 16 Winterfest Art Market, Water Street Studios, Batavia
Through November 15 Terrain public art displays, Geneva
Marissa Amoni is the owner of Marissa Bright, a public relations and event management company specializing in shining the light on nonprofits and small businesses. She coordinates Alley Art Festival and Geneva Arts Fair. Follow her on Instagram @marissashinesbright. Visit a full calendar of art events on alleyartaurora.com/artscene.