125 artists to display work in Elmhurst's Wilder Park
More than 125 artists from across the Midwest will display their work this weekend at the 21st annual Art in Wilder Park fine art, craft and design show in Elmhurst.
Roz Long, who founded the free event, says its "a combination of renegade and fine art show."
"It is juried and it's a very competitive process," she says. "I always have a waiting list, and many of my artists do this full-time for a living."
Those artists - ranging in age from 17 to 70 - will be displaying their work in fiber, glass, ceramics, sculpture, painting, photography, jewelry, mixed media, fashion design, handmade soaps and woodworking.
The show will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 6-7, in the park, 175 S. Prospect Ave.
Roughly 65 percent of the artists have participated in past Wilder Park shows, Long says, and "I've had some artists who have been with me for almost 20 years."
But visitors also can check out some new talent showcased in the emerging artists' section.
"We've got six artists selling work for the first time," she said.
The idea of encouraging new artists runs throughout the outdoor event, which will feature a Kid's Court where exploration and experimentation will reign, with no fewer than 15 available activities.
"An art teacher will teach kids how to paint on canvas," Long said, and the School of Rock will be on hand with an instrument "petting zoo" that gives kids the chance to pick up and play musical instruments. There also will be games and a novel take on face painting that involves creating characters.
The show, sponsored by Elmhurst Park District, is presented by Brewpoint Coffee, in cooperation with Long's firm, RGL Marketing for the Arts.
Live musical entertainment will include a Saturday acoustic performance by Scottie Long, Roz Long's son. Gourmet food will be among the culinary choices offered by more than 20 vendors.
The Wilder Mansion will be open, so visitors can explore the historic site. Inside the mansion, West Leyden High School art teacher Steve Lappe will offer a painting demonstration.
The mansion's Café Amano also will be open during the show.
Long said on-street parking is available in the Wilder Park area, which is bounded by West Church Street on the south, the Elmhurst Art Museum on the north, South Prospect Avenue on the west and South Cottage Hill Avenue on the east.
The Explore Elmhurst Trolley, a free service, will be running during the show, park district officials said.
If you go
What: 21st Annual Art in Wilder Park
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 6 and 7
Where: Wilder Park, 175 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst
Admission: Free
Info: rglmarketingforthearts.com and epd.org