DuPage Invitational Sculpture and 3-D Art Show

Sculpture Show becomes new staple of longtime festival

Lombard, IL - As another Lilac Time blooms in Lombard, one new event has firmly planted its roots. The DuPage Invitational Sculpture and 3-D Art Show displays student and professional artwork from 25 artists across the county.

"When it seemed that sculpture had started to show signs of being a 'dying art,' we initiated a show that would bring out the homegrown artists and the emerging artists right here in DuPage County," Laura Fitzpatrick said. "Lilacia Park just seemed like the natural setting."

Fitzpatrick is the founder of the show, in addition to being an artist and art teacher.

"Sculpture is possibly the most expensive art form there is," she added.

John Epple, art teacher at Willowbrook High School, said he encourages students to join the show every year. This year, Epple has five students entering ceramic pottery and sculpture.

"This is a wonderful event because it allows our students an opportunity to display their work in a beautiful setting along with fellow high school artists, college artists and professional artists from the area," Epple said. "It's a great way for the community to come out and see all the creative artwork being made at all levels right here in DuPage County."

Organizers have strong hopes the event will remain on the Lilac Time itinerary for years to come.

"We've been growing each year with more artists and more submissions," Deb Dynako said. Dynako, who also helped create the event, said she thinks there isn't another sculpture show that compares to this one.

"Artists in the sculpture and 3-D art media don't have many opportunities to show their work," she said.

This year's show includes 25 artists and about 35 original pieces of art. Artists also have pieces available for purchase.

Winners of the event receive monetary awards and scholarships.

Union Pacific Railroad, Waste Management, Inland Bank, Klein Thorpe & Jenkins, the Friends of the DuPage Theatre, the Lombard Arts Coalition, Lombard Park District and the village of Lombard sponsor the event, which is in its third year.

"I believe we have a highly dedicated group of volunteers who love this show and love what it does to promote the arts in our community," Dynako said.

The only thing that could negatively affect the success of this event would be rainy weather.

"All we have to do is cross our fingers for perfect May weather in the park," Epple added.