Lego show shaping up
Father and son Lego artists Dave and John Xandegar made their public debut two years ago at the Glen Ellyn Public Library.
Since then the Lindenhurst residents have exhibited at schools, museums, other libraries and at NASA's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. Thanks to the Internet, they have international fans and they've caught the attention of the Discovery Channel.
But the Xandegars haven't forgotten where they got their start. Dave and his son, John, 10, along with several other Lego artists will display more than 50 creations at Octobrickfest 2010 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16 and 17, at the library at 400 Duane St.
Dave Xandegar said the creations will include everything from a large train layout to the Tower of Orthanc from “The Lord of the Rings to the Xandegars' own signature piece a 3-foot-tall astronaut Buzz Aldrin that was displayed at NASA.
“We'll have a complete variety of things, he said.
Kate Pierson, director of youth services, said the library became acquainted with the Xandegar duo when they participated for the past two years in the Northern Illinois Lego Train Club exhibit at the library.
When the Lego train club couldn't make it this year because of the increasing popularity of their display, the library asked Xandegar to put a show together.
“It's not the Lego train setup we had before, but there will be lots of Lego construction, Pierson said. “It's going to be a great show.
Glen Ellyn Library patrons already have had ample opportunity to admire some of the Xandegars' work. Their re-creation of the entrance to the Glen Arts Theatre is on display in the Adult Services' department.
The library then commissioned them to construct a replica of the Glen Ellyn Library. That creation, which took 85 hours to build, sits in Youth Services.
They also taught a creativity lab at the library this summer.
The Xandegars donate all their work, except for a few corporate commissioned pieces.
“It's a great thing to see people come in, look at the stuff and go ‘wow,' Xandegar said.
Their 36 creations at the library will include a U.S. Air Force F4E Phantom II and a Klingon warrior from Star Trek.
Those who go to the exhibit and want to see more can check out the Chicago Star Trek Convention at the Chicago Westin O'Hare Hotel Friday through Sunday, Oct. 22-24, where the Xandegars will have a special presentation. They'll also exhibit at the Lego Kidsfest on Oct. 29-31 at McCormick Place in Chicago.
If you go
What: Octobrickfest 2010
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16-17
Where: Glen Ellyn Public Library, 400 Duane St., Glen Ellyn
Cost: Free
Info: (630) 469-0879