Glen Ellyn art fair benefits sight, hearing initiatives

With about 80 artists showing their work this weekend at Lake Ellyn Park and bands performing both days, the Glen Ellyn Festival of the Arts offered plenty for the eyes and ears.

But the annual art fair goes beyond just entertaining the eyes and ears. It also raises money to care for sight and hearing through the charities supported by the Glen Ellyn Lions Club foundation, which has organized the festival for 47 years. Proceeds from the event - generated by sponsorships along with beer and food sales - will help the foundation fund eye exams and hearing screenings for low-income residents.

Whether they were drawn by the cause or by the art on display, fairgoers were treated to photography, paintings, metal sculpture, jewelry, woodwork and more. The artists were selected by a panel of independent judges to ensure the show offered quality and variety, organizers said.

"They do a nice job on the set up and even help you unpack, unlike other shows," said photographer Carol Robinson of Downers Grove.

The event marked the festival's return to Lake Ellyn Park after a one-year stay at Maryknoll Park to accommodate plans to renovate the Lake Ellyn Boathouse and improve the surrounding park. Those at the festival were able to tour the restored boathouse and enjoy refreshments on the deck overlooking Lake Ellyn.