Signs of Spring: Elmhurst's 17th Annual Art in the Park is This Weekend

It's going to happen rain or shine—shine would be preferred, of course—but either way, you do not want to miss one of Wilder Park's premier annual events.

The 17th annual to be held this Saturday and Sunday, is so many things:

• It's the first real sign of spring in Elmhurst.
• It's an event that will awaken your senses—so much so that you'll want to go home and pick up a paint brush. Or a camera. Or a blow torch.
• It's friendly folks with great ideas from all over the Midwest.
• It's a great place to find something for Mom for Mother's Day or that perfect accent for your home.
• It's a juried show.
• It's just tons of art—glorious creativity—in the natural setting of Elmhurst's crown jewel, Wilder Park.

I could go on and on, but suffice to say, this exhibit/sale/fabulous event has grown and taken on an iconic feeling over the years to become an art show that is modeled by other communities. And the thanks goes to Elmhurst resident and president of RGL Marketing for the Arts, Roz Long, for founding the event 17 years ago and continuing to nurture and grow it year after year. I can only imagine the work that goes into that! Elmhurst Park District also continues its partnership to make the event possible, and the presenting sponsor this year is Room & Board.

More than 100 experts in painting, photography, sculpture, jewelry, wood and just about every medium you can imagine will display their amazing work under white tents all over Wilder Park. Thank goodness it's a two-day event, because it takes two days to really see everything. And if you ride your bike there, like I've done the past couple of years, be sure to have someone with a car at the ready to help get your treasures home. (You will buy something.)

For a list of artists who have signed up, click here. You'll see some familiar names, including Elmhurst artists Donna Castellanos, Leslie Pozen of Rouse and Patty Jedike of Incite! Design, to name just a few.

You can dance to music performed by School of Rock students, get your snack on and encounter a ton of interesting people just waiting to make your acquaintance. Honestly, one of the most rewarding parts of the whole event is meeting and talking to the artists. Even if you don't go home with a piece of art, you'll definitely go home with a new perspective.

Back to the weather. Vendors were literally hanging on to their tent poles hoping not to blow away. Art in the Park also has, at times, had to contend with some pretty heavy downpours.

Knock on wood and rub your lucky rabbit's foot, the National Weather Service (as of Thursday night) is saying the rainiest day of the weekend will be Friday, with a 60 percent chance of showers all day.

But Art in the Park starts Saturday, and the chance for rain both Saturday and Sunday drops down to 30 percent, with temperatures in the mid-60s.

So there you have it. Perfect! Well, almost. But don't let the threat of a little rain get in the way of this great event.

Art in the Park will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 4 and 5, at Wilder Park, 175 S. Prospect Ave. In addition to all the great art, you'll also find:

• Food vendors: Uncle Bub's, Cupcakes for Courage, Kettle Corn (which you can smell all over south Elmhurst), Italian ice and more
• Elmhurst Art Museum, also conveniently located at Wilder Park, will offer free admission both days.
• The museum also will host activities for kids.
• Wilder Mansion will offer lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Can't wait. See you there!