Artists find 'right track' at Glen Ellyn fest

West Chicago resident John Showalter has only officially been creating art since he retired two years ago. But as far as he's concerned, his 30 years as a hand surgeon serve him well in his new endeavor.

"That's three-dimensional artwork," he said. "It's trying to make something beautiful out of something that's been broken."

Showalter continues to do just that. As a wood sculptor who specializes in bowls, Showalter says he only works with wood that others would have otherwise thrown out.

"It's reclaiming local wood," he said. "I don't go out and buy exotic things."

On Sunday, he was one of 68 artists to display their wares at Glen Ellyn's 41st Annual Festival of the Arts. Showalter, who grew up in Wheaton, said his interest in art began with his father, who was an illustrator.

"I was always sensitive to art, in general," he said.

After witnessing wood-turning several years ago, Showalter said he wanted to try it but then never had the chance until about two years ago when a friend offered him a chance to use his tools.

Showalter was hooked and, when he sold his first piece in December of 2008, he said he thought he was heading in the right direction in his retired life.

The sidewalks next to Lake Ellyn were full of artists and residents while a children's area kept younger visitors busy. Live music added to the ambience of the event.

The media included paint, soapstone sculpture, jewelry and even blown-glass creations, like the work by Champaign resident Danny Reece.

A drywall contractor, Reece has worked in stained glass for nearly 35 years. But it was only recently that he started sharing his art at shows.

"This is my passion," he said. "I love color and blowing glass just to give people a chance to see something totally different. I want to make money but that's not my main goal."

Reece said that he hopes to some day retire and make enough money through his artwork to travel the country. In the meantime, he will accept the ribbon he received on Saturday, the first day of the two-day event.

"It's so gratifying," said Danny Reece, glass work earned recognition at the juried show. "To see those judges come over and give an award because they love your work, it gives you the feeling that you're on the right track."