Artists fill Cantigny during annual festival

Even though closing time was getting near, Emily Kirschner wasn’t worried.

The Naperville native said she’s never left the Art in Bloom festival at Wheaton’s Cantigny Park without something new under her arm. She hoped to find a sculpture or piece of decorative glass this year.

“I haven’t found anything yet, but I know it will happen,” she said, an hour before the weekend festival closed down Sunday. “There’s plenty of time.”

More than 75 artists displayed (and sold) their work at the festival, which has become one of Cantigny’s signature events. Multiple artistic mediums were represented, from photography to watercolors to woodwork and metals. The artists came from all over Illinois and beyond.

Dwight Crane of Rantoul, Ill., brought a collection of bowls, vases and globes — all of it made of wood. Crane, a retired police officer, said he’s been creating art with wood for nearly 20 years.

Some of the items he brought to the show featured added color. Others were polished to a high gloss.

However they turned out, all of his pieces started the same way — as a big hunk of tree.

“I always start that way, usually with a tree that’s been cut down,” he said. “I love the look of wood, how its texture and markings can vary.”

Crane said Art in Bloom was pretty good for him, especially Sunday.

“Actually, the last couple of hours have been great,” he said late in the afternoon. “If it had rained today, it would be have been awful for us. But the weather held up.”

Though clearly the main attraction, art wasn’t the only thing happening at the festival. Visitors also opted for picnics on the Cantigny grounds and listened to the full lineup of live bands that played throughout the weekend.