Lilac Time events planned 'for the love of art'
While many aspects of Lilac Time are all about blooming bushes, two events are thrown for the love of art (and crafts).
The Lilac Time Art and Craft Fair, sponsored by the Lombard Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry, comes first, scheduled for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 6.
Chamber Executive Director Yvonne Invergo said the fair is one of the first outdoor community events each year in Lombard and it caters to a variety of interests.
"There's something there for everyone - crafts, entertainment, a free kids zone," Invergo said.
The fair takes place on St. Charles Road between Main and Elizabeth Streets. St. Charles Road will be closed from 5:30 a.m. Sunday until about 6 p.m. to allow visitors to browse about 85 vendor booths selling artistic and crafty creations.
Entertainment for the fair will make the first use of the village's new Showmobile stage and will showcase three sisters showing their Irish dancing skills, among other performers, Invergo said.
The weekend following the art and craft fair, the fourth annual DuPage Invitational Sculpture Show will bring locally made sculptures to Lilacia Park, 150 S. Park Ave.
The show, sponsored by Friends of the DuPage Theatre, the Lombard Arts Coalition and the Lombard Park District, gives professional and student artists who live, work or go to school, or were born in DuPage County the chance to exhibit their favorite work in an outdoor setting, said Lombard Trustee Laura Fitzpatrick, founding chairwoman of the show.
It takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 12.
About 15 high school students will display art in this year's show. Sculptures had to measure at least 18 inches in any direction for high school students or 2 feet in any direction for college or professional artists to be accepted.
"The kids display talent and technique far beyond what we expect for high schoolers," Fitzpatrick said.
Learning from professionals about the best ways to utilize an outdoor setting such as the historic park, designed by the famous landscape architect Jens Jensen, is part of the benefit for young artists who participate in the show.
"We have all these little nooks and crannies of the park - that's what makes it wonderful," Fitzpatrick said. "Every year, the art changes to something new and exciting."
Entrance to the park is free throughout Lilac Time and year round, and admission to the sculpture show also is free, Fitzpatrick said.
All entries will be judged and prize money (or scholarships) will be given in established artist, college student and high school student categories. But Fitzpatrick said money is not the motivation, as shown by the fact many of the sculptures available for park visitors' viewing pleasure will not be for sale.
"The artists are not doing this to make money," she said. "It's for the love of art."
If You Go
Lilac Time Art and Craft Fair
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 6
Where: St. Charles Road between Main and Elizabeth streets in downtown Lombard
Who: Sponsored by the Lombard Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Cost: Free admission, crafts and food for sale
Details: Browse about 85 vendors selling arts and crafts just blocks away from Lilacia Park
Info: (630) 627-5040 or lombardchamber.com
DuPage Invitational Sculpture Show
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 12
Where: Lilacia Park, 150 S. Park Ave., Lombard
Who: Sponsored by Friends of the DuPage Theatre, the Lombard Arts Coalition and the Lombard Park District
Cost: Free
Details: Sculptures by high school, college and professional artists will be on display among the scenery of Lilacia Park
Info: (331) 645-3992 or dupagesculpture.org