Find the perfect piece at Oakbrook Center art fair

When it first started, the art show at Oakbrook Center was all-Illinois artists all-the-time.

That was in 1962.

As it grew, the show's draw expanded to the Midwest, then across the country and into Canada. These days, artists who want to participate in the 46th Invitational Fine Art Exhibition have to submit slides of their work to be a panel of experts for consideration.

This year, more than 160 artists are included in the show that will stretch across the outdoor shopping center in Oak Brook on Saturday and Sunday. The show on Saturday runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Last year's show drew more than 145,000 shoppers and spectators.

The range of mediums included in this year's exhibition is broad: sculpture, photography, acrylic, oil, watercolor, mixed media and pastel. Longtime artists planning to attend include Allan Savel, blown glass; Jo Nelson, mixed media; Bob Caldart, pottery; and Ralph Furmanski, pottery.

New exhibitors include Miguel "Mickey" Mayla, stone sculptures; and Debra Lee Hellwig, 2-D mixed media.

Oakbrook Center is located at Route 83 and 22nd St. in Oak Brook. For information call (630) 573-0700.

Oakbrook Center art fair

What: 46th Invitational Fine Art Exhibition at Oakbrook Center

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

Where: Oakbrook Center, Route 83 and 22nd Street, Oak Brook

Details: The free exhibition includes displays from more than 160 artists in mediums including acrylic, pastel, oil, sculpture, photography and watercolor.

Call: (630) 573-0700