The 40th annual “Art at Ellwood” art fair and sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 1 at the Ellwood House Museum in DeKalb. Fifty-five artists and artisan crafters from Illinois and around the Midwest will exhibit their original work in booths arrayed on the grounds of Ellwood Park. Included are paintings, watercolors, prints, sculpture and photography, as well as a variety of handcrafted jewelry, ceramics, basketry, fiber arts, metalwork, folk art and other fine crafts. This is a juried show with each exhibitor vetted for quality and originality.  Everything is for sale. There is no admission charge for the event.

Visitors also can enjoy lunch or have a snack in the gardens where food vendors will offer chicken and veggie wraps, frozen custard and waffle cones.

Well-known folk/rock duo Patchouli will entertain throughout the day with their mellow blend of acoustic guitar and voice performed near the front of Ellwood House.

Guided tours of the elegant Ellwood mansion will be offered every 15 minutes from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the regular $8 tour admission. Admission for children ages 6 to 14 costs $3, and free for children younger than age 6. The museum’s air-conditioned visitor center will be open, free of charge, during the event. Featured exhibits include The Barbed Wire Story and a special exhibit on the history of the Ellwood-Nehring House. 

This year’s “Art at Ellwood” presents a wonderful opportunity to find a special decorative piece for the home, a one-of-a-kind gift, or just to enjoy the beauty of Ellwood Park. Plan to have lunch on the grounds and make a day of it. “Art at Ellwood” is a fundraiser for the nonprofit Ellwood House Association, which operates the museum in conjunction with the DeKalb Park District. Ellwood House Museum is located at 509 N. First St., in DeKalb. For more information, call 815-756-4609 or see the museum’s website www.ellwoodhouse.org.