Oakbrook Center transforms in outdoor art museum
For two days every summer, Oakbrook Center transforms into an open-air art museum.
The annual Invitational Fine Craft Exhibition is no run-of-the-mill craft show. Rather, it features museum-quality work by crafters from throughout the country, chosen by a panel of professional art experts.
As many at 135,000 people are expected to turn out for the 46th annual show this weekend. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Robert Lee Fritz, a glass artist from Lombard, has been a regular exhibitor since 1980.
"Typically, it's a good show for me," he said. "(But) with the economy, you never know what's going to happen."
He specializes in handblown crystal paperweights, sculptures and vases carved with silhouettes of cranes, heron and other Midwestern birds. Prices for his work range from $20 to $30 for glass jewelry up to $2,000 for large, freeblown sculptures.
Admission is free and the outdoor mall's blooming flower beds provide a colorful backdrop to the ceramics, fiber arts, wood, glass and stone on display.
"There's a nice sense of moving from one area to the next without feeling so totally packed with artists that you can't get around," Fritz said.
This year's exhibitors include a large contingent from the suburbs as well as Arizona, Florida, Minnesota, New York, Texas, Virginia and Washington.
Oakbrook Center stores and restaurants will be open. And children will get a chance to design their own wristwatches during the free Elmhurst Art Museum Children's Art Workshop from noon to 4 p.m. both days.
"We are very proud of the exhibition's history and tradition," said Suzanne Beres, senior marketing manager of Oakbrook Center. "The show not only appeals to the customers purchasing artwork, but to many visitors who enjoy viewing the museum-quality (works) of art in a relaxed, outdoor atmosphere."
If you go
What: 46th Invitational Fine Craft Exhibition
When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday
Where: Oakbrook Center, Route 83 and Cermak Road, Oak Brook
Cost: Free
Info: (630) 573-0700 or www.oakbrookcenter.com