Art in Bloom lets Cantigny visitors see and make art

Cantigny Park's annual Art in Bloom fine art festival invites visitors to celebrate Father's Day weekend by taking in the works of more than 80 artists and to join in a community art project themselves.

The festival takes place 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 20 and 21, at Cantigny, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Admission is free with paid parking of $5 per vehicle.

The more than 80 juried artists, who work in a variety of mediums, will display and offer their works for sale. Live demonstrations will take place both days. Meanwhile, Cantigny favorites Classical Blast, Guitarra Azul and Swing Forward will provide live music each day.

Kids and adults alike are invited to participate in a community art project involving thousands of recycled bottle caps. The finished works of art will be displayed at Cantigny throughout the summer. Children also can paint the ever-popular Monster Mural.

Park visitors are encouraged to also enjoy Cantigny's regular attractions, including 30 acres of lush gardens, the historic Robert R. McCormick Museum and the First Division Museum. At the latter, visitors can tour "Five Years in the Jungle," an interactive new exhibit about the 1st Infantry Division's experience in Vietnam from 1965-1970. The gardens and museums at Cantigny are always free admission.

Inside the Visitors Center, festivalgoers can see the new Cantigny Park 60th Anniversary Photo Exhibit and check out the Cantigny Shop's new summer merchandise.

Festival-style food will be available outdoors during Art in Bloom and Le Jardin restaurant in the Visitors Center will be open for sit-down dining. Cantigny's spacious picnic area, with playground, is another family-friendly option.

Information about Cantigny Park and the 2015 Summer Events Guide is online at cantigny.org.