Glass Pumpkin Patch returning to Morton Arboretum

Thousands of glittering orbs sit atop hay bales, on wooden shelves and even in the bed of an antique pickup truck, their colorful swirls and patterns glinting in the autumn sunlight. It must be time for the Glass Pumpkin Patch at the Morton Arboretum.

Visitors can see and select from a collection of more than 4,000 handcrafted glass pieces for sale. The Glass Pumpkin Patch returns to the arboretum from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday, Oct. 12 to 16, at 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Sales start at 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14.

Returning in 2016 is the "Farmers market," featuring blown-glass acorns and leaves as well as a cornucopia of one-of-a-kind glass fruits and vegetables.

Throughout the event, visitors can watch daily demonstrations by noted glassblowers from the Chicago area and from around the country. Using a kiln and tools of the trade, artists will detail the process of turning smaller pieces of glass into beautiful works of art.

"The Glass Pumpkin Patch has become a wonderful fall tradition for many, and an event we've seen grow with each passing year," said Jacque Fucilla, manager of The Arboretum Store. "Under the colorful canopy of our towering trees, visitors can shop unique art not available anywhere else and take in free demonstrations that highlight the amazing work that goes into each meticulously handcrafted piece."

Twenty artists from across the U.S. will showcase their art and participate in the 2016 Glass Pumpkin Patch, including 10 from the Chicago area and throughout Illinois. Leading the event is glassblower Shannon Jane Morgan of Girl Glass Studio in Sacramento, California. Primarily self-taught, Morgan has earned a name for herself with brightly colored ornamental autumn designs as well as pieces such as goblets, bowls and vases.

Glass-blown art pieces by Morgan and other artists at the event range in price from $20 to $200. The Glass Pumpkin Patch is free with regular arboretum admission. For information, visit mortonarb.org/events/glass-pumpkin-patch.