DuPage Museum to Open Folk Art Exhibit

The DuPage County Historical Museum will open its largest changing exhibit to date, “Early Illinois Folk Art 1825-1925,” at a preview event Thursday, April 11 before it opens to the public on Saturday, April 13, 2013.

The exhibit will feature more than 100 artifacts from duck decoys to whirligigs, including six original Sheldon Peck paintings.

Peck, a well-known itinerant portrait artist of the 19th century, settled in the area now known as Lombard.

 Bob Jacobsen, a DuPage County Historical Museum Foundation board member, organized a special effort to catalog the exhibit with a commemorative book—the first ever published by the Wheaton Park District, according to a news release from the park district.

“Early Illinois Folk Art 1825-1925” includes a range of photos and information on many of the objects on view. Exhibit catalogs will be available for sale in the gift shop.

“Folk art demonstrates the heart of the innovative American spirit. There is so much to learn from this exhibit, about history and for the future,” Jacobsen, a longtime Wheaton resident, said in a statement.

Museum curator Sara Arnas said in a statement the folk art objects, "help us understand the everyday life of people living in our state during an important time period.”

Planning for the exhibit began two years ago. In addition to informative displays, Museum Educator, Sara Buttita worked with Arnas to create learning stations for younger visitors. Families can enjoy the interactive elements of a portrait studio and community quilt. 

The Folk Art exhibit will run April 13 – September 15, 2013. Special programs and lectures by folk art experts will be presented throughout the exhibit. 

Tickets for the 6 p.m. preview event will be $50 per person; for those 21 years and older. Guests for Preview Night will enjoy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and the unique opportunity to meet collectors and contributors from all over the state. Space is limited. Call 630.510.4941 to reserve, or purchase tickets at www.wheatonparkdistrict.com/tickets.

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