Mall exhibit is perfect for art lovers

Many visitors heading to Oakbrook Center this weekend will be hunting for more than just clothes or beauty supplies at the mall's stores.

More than 145,000 art lovers are expected to travel to Oak Brook for the 45th Invitational Fine Art Exhibition Saturday and Sunday.

The show will feature more than 160 artists displaying media like photography, watercolor, pastels, acrylics, oil and sculpture.

A jury panel of four professional artists examined slides of each artist's work before selecting them for the exhibit.

In addition to featuring new types of exhibitors this year, such as a colored-pencil artist, organizers say the artists are stepping up their craftsmanship.

"A lot of the artists are taking the next step into creating art," said Suzanne Beres, spokeswoman for Oakbrook Center. "Whether it be digital or computerized processing of their artwork, they are really taking it to the next level in technology."

The exhibition, which once began as a small showcase for Illinois artists, now features work by people from around the country. It will also showcase work by residents from area communities such as Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Naperville and Willowbrook.

Artists will compete for 14 awards: seven awards of excellence and seven awards of merit, which are all given by one judge.

They will also be tested by the shoppers who come to check out their work. Beres said art aficionados aren't just looking for pretty work to hang on their walls.

"Our visitors go beyond just buying," she said. "They really engage the artists. It's an event where the artist really has an opportunity to speak about their artwork and what they did to create."

If you go

What: The 45th Invitational Fine Art Exhibition

When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday

Where: Oakbrook Center, Route 83 and York Road, Oak Brook

Cost: Free

Details: (630) 573-0700 or www.oakbrookcenter.com