Fine Art Exhibition returns to Oakbrook Center
Oakbrook Center exhibits a dual personality this weekend: Part upscale shopping center, part open-air art museum.
The two roles complement each other nicely.
More than 150 artists from around the country will show and sell their work at the 48th annual Invitational Fine Art Exhibition.
This year's theme is "Wit and Whimsy." Artists will display works in a variety of mediums - including photography, watercolors, pastels, acrylics, pencil, oil, sculpture and mixed media - against a stunning backdrop of colorful, blooming flowers.
Sunshine Artist Magazine has included the Oak Brook event on its list of the "Top 200 Shows in the Country" for the past five years.
Though 140,000 people attended last year's show, the Invitational Fine Art Exhibition never feels crowded like some shows in other venues. The center's restaurants and stores are open for dining and shopping, so many people make a day of it.
To exhibit at the show, artists must present slides of their work to a jury of art experts. Artists chosen to participate this year include local residents of Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Naperville, Western Springs and Willowbrook. They will be joined by artists from 22 other states, from New York to Hawaii.
The event takes place every year on Labor Day weekend. Admission is free.
If you goWhat: 48th annual Invitational Fine Art ExhbitionWhen: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 4; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 5Where: Oakbrook Center, 22nd Street and Route 83, Oak BrookAdmission: FreeInfo: oakbrookcenter.com or (630) 573-0700