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Museum to highlight young artists' works

Mike Owen is a 21-year-old Elmhurst resident diagnosed with a high functioning form of autism. He taught himself to paint and draw by watching television five years ago.

Karen Light is a self-proclaimed "Artivator," meaning artist, activist and educator. Her inspirational writings of prose, poetry, and essay, along with her sculptural paintings, make up her Truthseeker series.

Luisa Castellanos is a 14-year-old Elmhurst fiber artist who not only shows her work, but teaches others how to make plush toys.

These are some of the 110 artists who will showcase their works at Elmhurst Art Museum's 12th Annual Art in the Park this weekend.

The juried show of fine art, craft and design will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday on the grounds of Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 Cottage Hill Ave. Park.

In addition to the art, visitors will enjoy live entertainment, food, children's crafts and other activities.

"The festival is a wonderful place to find unique handcrafted jewelry, paintings, ceramics, photography, sculpture, furniture, glass, mixed media and fiber art selections," said Roz Long of RGL Marketing for the Arts, organizer of the event.

Elmhurst Art Museum also will provide children's activities from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

The third annual Raku in the Park(ing Lot) will take place with artist Ken Nance. Japanese potters invented the Raku firing method of ceramics long ago.

Visitors will be able to pick a pot to glaze and watch as the piece is fired in a gas-fueled kiln and transferred into a metal can full of sawdust and excelsior, where a magical transformation occurs. All creations will go home that day.

The museum will be open and admission will be free from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, featuring exhibitions by textile artist Kat Chow, installation artist Susan Giles and Concept to Collection, an exhibition highlighting the museum collection.

Founded in 1980, Elmhurst Art Museum completed its award-winning modern museum structure in 1997, which contains three museum galleries, an education center and a variety of outdoor sculpture.

The structure also incorporates the Ludwig Mies van der Rohe-designed McCormick House, one of three such homes designed by the internationally known architect.

For details, visit elmhurstartinthepark.org or rglmarketingforthearts.com, or call the Elmhurst Art Museum at (630) 834-0202 or Roz Long at (630) 279-0035.

Art in the Park

The festival runs Saturday and Sunday at the Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 Cottage Hill Ave., Elmhurst. Includes works by 110 artists, entertainment, food and other activities. Admission and parking are free. Call (630) 279-0035 or visit www.elmhurstartinthepark.org

SATURDAY

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Elmhurst Art Museum opens

10 to 5 p.m. 14-year-old Elmhurst resident Luisa Castellanos teaches how to make fiber plush toys. $3 fee.

10 to 5 p.m. Chalk art, origami, lapidary demonstrations sponsored by Elmhurst Park District. Free

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dan Darrah, singer/songwriter

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Elmhurst Art Museum children's activities

1 to 2:30 p.m. Scottie Long, acoustic rock

3 TO 5 p.m. Danya Malow Band, winner of Chicago Music Award for Country Artist of the Year

SUNDAY

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Elmhurst Art Museum open

10 to 5 p.m. 14-year-old Elmhurst resident Luisa Castellanos teaches how to make fiber plush toys. $3 fee.

10 to 5 p.m. Chalk art, origami, lapidary demonstrations sponsored by Elmhurst Park District. Free

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Elmhurst Art Museum children's activities

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Linda M. Smith, singer/songwriter

1 to 4 p.m. Stone sculpting demonstration at Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary art

2 to 5 p.m. Patchouli, folk

More than 100 artists will show their work at Art in the Park, which is Saturday and Sunday in Elmhurst. Courtesy Luisa Castellanos
14-year-old Luisa Castellanos of Elmhurst makes Pock-it Palz plush toys.. Courtesy Luisa Castellanos
Luisa Castellanos, a 14-year-old from Elmhurst, will teach people how to make her Pock-it Palz plush toys Saturday and Sunday. Courtesy Luisa Castellanos