Elmhurst Day Out

Like last year, the Holiday Fair in Elmhurst was a blast. This year, I made a weekend trip out of it and started at the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art.

This museum houses the collection of Joseph Lizzadro, who enjoyed cutting and polishing jade as a hobby, and began collecting beautiful artifacts.

Because rough jade was not available, Joseph obtained many statues, that were sometimes re-purposed into jewelry he made.

The entry-level floor is filled with beautiful statues and charming dioramas created entirely out of gemstones.

The desert diorama was my favorite.

The Castle Lizzadro is gorgeous, though its in memoriam footnote leaves a sense of sadness and mystery.

I learned about commesso in pietre dure, which is painting with slivers of stone. There are numerous explanations throughout the museum.

On the lower level, the displays delve into the mechanics of how stone is carved.

It also taught me about Hunsrück Slate and what types of stones form in which layer of sediment.

I envy the opal collection.

I also spotted a lovely butterfly.

Soon I had absorbed all I could and it was time to head back out into the sunshine.

Fall was at its glorious peak.

I had noted the You Are Beautiful signs at the Art Museum and decided to take a closer look.

The sculptures were uplifting.

I still had a little bit of time left so I explored the Conservatory of Wilder Park, a lovely greenhouse.

Wilder Park is truly beautiful.

Then it was time to unload the car and start setting up at the Wilder Mansion, which was basking in gorgeous sunlight.

I found my spot and then moved the car.

The three-tree setup took some planning.

Soon I had everything the way I wanted it.

I spun around to meet other vendors.

Laurie Messerol is so recognizable.

Between 4 and 9 pm numerous visitor milled about.

Libations were flowing, and I got to sip on Prosecco.

My frosties and angels were popular that day.

Those who capitalized on the Cubs’ win sold out their blue, red and white wares.

When the doors closed we wrapped our booths for their slumber party.

The fountain was lovely at night.

I took stock of my purchases.

The next day we opened from 10 am to 5 pm, and more visitors milled about.

This new vendor has lovely whimsy for sewers and knitters.

Again, angels and frosties were adopted, and I am thrilled Elmhurst Angel stayed in Elmhurst.

I think the trees help.

Jewelry also found new owners.

This is a great show for vendors to get their start in, and I enjoyed the lovely work by made by Q.

I also met a lovely new pint-sized admirer who ordered a custom bangle.

Dragonflies are fluttering in new homes too.

It was a lovely weekend, and we all enjoyed our time in a beautiful setting.

Then I packed up what remained to be divided among boutiques and upcoming shows.

Soon the mansion was cleared, and ready for its next event. RGL Marketing for the Arts will put on an outdoor Spring Show in May.

I buckled up my ornaments and drove home.

Then I headed to Ayla’s to source beads for another custom bangle, which I will send off this week.

If you want to commission a piece, contact me now since the holiday crunch is real.