Bloomington-Normal Area Convention & Visitors BureauEvent
Have Yourself a Funky Little Weekend!
Local artists are teaming up with small businesses in Funks Grove and McLean the weekend before Thanksgiving for two days full of fun, holiday spirit, and holiday shopping options.
“Have Yourself A Funky Little Weekend” is spearheaded by artists’ troupe Artists of the Corn, composed of potters, illustrators, painters, fabric artists, jewelers, glass blowers, wood carvers, and more from across Illinois and Missouri. When many of their shows were canceled in 2020, they came together to start hosting their own shows in order to “keep artists arting.” This is their first time promoting a show in tandem with local shops—who will all be open within a short drive—for a full weekend of activities.
The “Shuckin’ Awesome Art Market” will be their seventh show together and their third at Funk Farms Premium Beef in Shirley, a 15-minute drive from Bloomington-Normal. It will be held November 19th and 20th from 10am-4pm both days and feature more than 30 of their member artists, hosted in the beautifully redesigned event space at Funk Farms Trust. Shoppers are invited to view and purchase stunning works, from paintings and prints to handmade bags and jewelry, textiles, pottery, glassware, candles, and much more. Shoppers will get a chance to meet the creators and hear the story and process behind each unique piece. Food from Funk Farms Premium Beef and Ropp Jersey Cheese will also be available for purchase, and the Bloomington Smoking Grill food truck will be on site for lunch and snacks.
A few minutes down the road, Funks Grove will be full of activity. Funks Grove Pure Maple Sirup will also be open 10am-4pm Saturday and Sunday, offering maple candies, sugar, and ice cream, as well as special treats from Funks Grove Heritage Fruits & Grains, from pancake and muffin mixes to popcorn, maple ramp seasoning, maple black raspberry sauce, fruits leathers, and tasty baked goods, plus lots of samples. The Funks Grove Country Store will also be open both days, 10am-3pm, showcasing holiday decor, antiques, primitives, and lots more “funky junk” in their shop just off Route 66. A little farther south in McLean, Vicky’s Boutique will be open both days 10am-5pm, where shoppers are treated to a cozy shopping experience with Christmas gifts, home decor, clothing and accessories, specialty foods, and a lot more. And for a little recreation, take a trip to Sugar Grove Nature Center on Saturday for an Irish music jam and blacksmith demonstration from 10am-12pm and a Family Nature Exploration Day from 10am-3pm, with a hike, story time, critter chat, and crafts.
Entrance to all activities is free. See details here for each location. Enjoy a “funky little weekend” in the grove and get in the holiday spirit with wonderful local artists and businesses!
Date/Time
Saturday, November 19, 2022 - Sunday, November 20, 2022
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Cost: Free
Location
Funk Farms Trust
5959 N 1100 East Rd
Shirley il 61772
https://artistsofthecorn.com/funky-holiday-weekend/
