Take Dad to the juried Cantigny Fine Arts Festival

Take Dad to a place where he can always know best for Father's Day.

Let him be judge of the juried Cantigny Fine Arts Festival this weekend, where the artwork on hand is rivaled only by the beauty of the park's grounds, Festival Director Amy Amdur said.

"What's exciting for us with the festival is that it is Father's Day weekend and we can give families a great day with dad for $5. The only fee is $5 to park," Amdur said.

The show runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 20 and 21, at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton.

In its eighth year, the show features 150 artists who were invited from across the United States offering pieces ranging from $25 to $2,500.

Genres of artwork to be featured include paintings; art sketches, pastels and other flat surface works; 3-D work such as sculptures; functional art like wearable items made of hand painted silk; photography; and jewelry ranging from handmade glass beads to gold jewelry.

Before the artists can arrive with their array of pieces, the scenery at Cantigny raises the bar, artists say.

"It's a beautiful setting and it's all set up on grass and tree-lined. That sets the stage," said artist Dave Claus of Naperville, who - along with his wife, Rosie - won best in show last year. "Some art shows are done in streets, but they don't have the beautiful setting."

The Claus' specialty lies in gourd art and the intrinsic detail that goes into using a medium where no two gourds are ever the same.

Many artists seek out a slab of clay or just the right canvas. The Claus' travel to Mississippi twice a year to pick out the right gourds from growers who produce gourds specifically for artists.

The hard-shell gourds need a year to dry before Dave can finely sand the gourd until it shines, and Rosie can begin the intricate weavings that top the orange shells. The finished product resembles pottery with an ornate woven design on top.

Their unique work, which mixes the southwestern flavor gourds offer with a Midwestern maple leaf touch, has garnered them top honors at several festivals.

Beyond artwork, families can make a day of the event by enjoying live music by soft rock group Cirrus Falcon and French singer Michelet Innocent.

Bring a picnic and listen to Tenor 3 perform at 5 p.m. Saturday on the Parade Field of Cantigny Park.

First-timers can stop by the visitor's center theater for a 10-minute introduction to the grounds and all the park has to offer.

The festival caters to all ages and has several activities for children, including an art fest bingo, "I'm an official art explorer" stickers and an art tent where families can make books about themselves. There will be a T-shirt making area for $12.

Demonstrations include showing how wool becomes wearable art by shearing a sheep and working the wool and weaving it.

"It's also a fun show because it is Father's Day weekend and a lot of families come and spend the whole day there and picnic," Claus said.

<p class="factboxtextbold12col"><b>What:</b> <b>Cantigny Fine Arts Festival</b></p> <p class="factboxtextbold12col"><b>When:</b> 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday</p> <p class="factboxtextbold12col"><b>Where:</b> Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton</p> <p class="factboxtextbold12col"><b>Cost:</b> Free, $5 parking</p> <p class="factboxtextbold12col"><b>Info:</b> (847) 926-4300 or <a href="mailto:info@amdurproductions.com">info@amdurproductions.com</a></p>