Elmhurst's 26th annual Art in Wilder Park to feature unveiling of 'Superheroes in Wilder Park' installationn
The Elmhurst Park District and Elmhurst Art Museum's 26th annual Art in Wilder Park will feature a variety of artisans selling one-of-a-kind jewelry, paintings, sculptures, ceramics, prints, and fiber arts, plus tasty treats, family activities, and more ways to engage with the local community.
A highlight of this year's festival is the unveiling of a newly-commissioned public art installation "Superheroes in Wilder Park" featuring life-sized superhero sculptures by area artists and youth groups.
Art in Wilder Parktakes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 6-7, at 175 S. Cottage Hill Ave in Elmhurst.
With 8,000 visitors in 2022, organizers are planning an even larger, more inclusive, and accessible event for the whole family this year.
"We are excited to expand Art in Wilder Park with more exhibiting artists from across the Midwest than ever before, and to attract new audiences with a 'super' public art installation that will inspire the next generation of local heroes," said John McKinnon, executive director of the Elmhurst Art Museum.
On view from May 6 to July 31, "Superheroes in Wilder Park" is a bold preview of the museum's summer blockbuster show "Marvelocity: The Art of Alex Ross" (June 3-August 20, 2023) that features work by one of the greatest artists in the field of comic books.
Art in Wilder Park will host special appearances by costumed heroes from the League of Enchantment, in addition to a variety of kid's activities planned with over 20 community organizations.
"We are excited for the 26th annual Art in Wilder Park, a renowned community event held each spring with large offerings for the entire family," said The Honorable Scott Levin, Mayor of Elmhurst. "We look forward to welcoming thousands of visitors from near and far to enjoy a day at the park, support local restaurants, artisans, and businesses, and celebrate all that the event has to offer."
The full exhibitor list is available online at elmhurstartmuseum.org/events/.
Food vendors include: OMG! Olive Oils, Midwest Citrus Smashers, Kilwins Elmhurst, Gindo's Spice of Life, I Love Grill - Polish Food Truck, Smilin' Dogs Food Truck, Rough Edges Confectionery, Hello Donut, Smallcakes Elmhurst, Poupee Puf, Laconic Foods, and Brewpoint.
"Marvelocity: The Art of Alex Ross" will feature cover art, sketches, life-sized head busts, and more created by Alex Ross from his home in the Chicago area. For nearly 30 years, Ross has revitalized classic superheroes into works of fine art, illustrating characters such as Spider-Man, Captain America, Iron Man, Storm from the X-Men, the Avengers, Black Panther, and many more. Marvelocity: The Art of Alex Ross is on view at the Elmhurst Art Museum from June 3 to Aug. 20,.
The Elmhurst Art Museum is located at 150 S. Cottage Hill Ave. in Elmhurst. On the museum's campus is the McCormick House, a single-family home designed in 1952 by Mies van der Rohe, one of the great architects of the 20th Century. The McCormick House is one of only three residences designed and built by Mies in the United States - and one of only two open to the public.
The museum is open Wednesday and Thursday from noon to 5 p.m., and Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Regular museum admission prices are $18 for ages 18 or older, $15 for seniors, $10 for students, and $5 for children. For more information, call (630) 834-0202 or visit elmhurstartmuseum.org.