Crafters display their artistic side at exhibit

Sure, Oakbrook Center already has art in the form of frog sculptures on display, and sure, the mall already sells jewelry in several stores.

But the sculptures, jewelry and other art forms the shopping mall was showcasing Saturday were the wares of 57 crafters participating in the 48th annual Invitational Fine Craft Exhibition.

The event continues 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday so shoppers and art lovers can get another chance to browse or buy personalized pottery, embellished pillows and purses, holiday decorations, handcrafted writing utensils and other unique creations.

Artist Linda Wagner of Wheaton said her business, Art Girl Pottery, strives to create heirlooms for families by taking an everyday item such as a serving platter and adding a personal touch.

Wagner embosses names, favorite sayings, even Bible verses into dinner plates, serving platters and other pottery items for clients who want everything custom made.

“I use a lot of impression work. In fact, practically every piece has impression in it,” Wagner said. “It keeps the pieces timeless.”

Participating in the exhibition for her third year, Wagner said Oakbrook Center, with its open-air setting, provides a good atmosphere for putting her art on display.

“I got lucky; I’m right by the fountain,” Wagner said about her booth’s location.

Artist Sue Wulff attended the event as a vendor for the first time Saturday, showing off the line of handmade pens and pencils she crafts with her husband, Bob. The couple started their business, Write in Style, last year at their St. Charles home after both retired.

“It’s fun meeting people, talking to other vendors,” Wulff said about participating in the exhibition.

She also gets to brag how she and her husband turn blocks of crushed dollar bills into functional writing utensils and out-of-the ordinary gifts.

Aside from displays of professionally made lawn decorations, watches, hair bows and baby clothes, the art exhibition includes a free children’s art workshop tent staffed by the DuPage Art League.

Beth Dziedzic of Elk Grove Village stopped at the tent with her grandchildren and daughter. As her grandkids, 7-year-old Jeremy Kiska and 3-year-old Alice Kiska, got creative with colorful paper, markers, beads and feathers, Dziedzic enjoyed listening to a flutist perform Native American-style tunes.

“It was a nice surprise to come up and find the art fair here,” Dziedzic said. “The art is nice, it’s such high quality.”