Wheaton Arts and Leisure
Plenty to See & Do
By Catherine L. Tully
Wheaton has a variety of art and leisure opportunities for those interested in a little culture—or even just a little fun. Running the gamut from art exhibits to serene opportunities to kick back and enjoy nature, the city has something for each individual’s taste and budget.
The DuPage Art League, located at 218 West Front Street features free, juried exhibits of high quality, two and three-dimensional artwork in both its galleries. There is a group exhibit and a solo artist exhibit, and the theme changes monthly. The organization also holds a variety of classes for adults and children throughout the year.
An artist herself, store owner Betty Lewis is transitioning what was once her art gallery (Betty’s Art Gallery at 105 West Front Street) into a non-profit “art institute.” Lewis intends to work closely with the residents to develop this idea to its fullest potential. She notes that an “institute” is really more of a community-related organization and says that her hope is “to create something beautiful” for both the residents and visitors to the area.
Held during the warm summer months, the Fine Art Fair includes over 100 diverse artists exhibiting and selling original pieces of art. Patrons can peruse through everything from ceramics, glass and jewelry to photography, watercolor and wood, and everything in between. Hosted by the Downtown Wheaton Association, the fair enjoyed its fifth annual event this past July.
If you are looking for a little quiet time and a gorgeous view, relax for a bit at the newly expanded Wheaton Public Library, located at 225 North Cross Street. The renovation took the building from 72,000 to 124,500 square feet, and added amenities such as a fireplace and all new lounge furniture. Library Director Sarah Meisels mentions that seating and reading areas were arranged to take advantage of the large windows facing nearby Adams Park—a great spot to unwind with a book. If you aren’t sure what to read, try local author Dave Goetz’s book, Death by Suburb. The book’s description reads, “Death by Suburb addresses what every suburbanite knows but is terrified to say out loud: the life that people appear to possess and the life they actually lead are two very different things.”
Another building that is undergoing the renovation process is the Wheaton Grand Theater. Located downtown, this beautiful building has been a part of the city’s landscape since 1925. The hope is that all of the preparatory paperwork will soon be finished so that the work can begin on the building sometime early 2008. Project manager Ray Shepardson says that the architectural and engineering plans have been completed and says, “I am pleased that we are right on target.”
Theatre lovers definitely won’t be disappointed in this city. Wheaton Drama, Inc., at 111 Hale Street, has been staging community theatre performances for over 75 years and offers a variety of quality theatre productions to the area residents, putting on five major productions each year. The 2007/2008 season includes favorites such as Little Shop of Horrors and Nunsense. Tickets for these shows are already on sale.
Those who have a passion for music should keep an eye out for events that highlight Vivaldi Strings, a group of 26 string performers from Wheaton College Community School of the Arts Suzuki Program. The group performs orchestral pieces and chamber music at a variety of events throughout the year.
Parents with children might want to make time for a stop at Clocktower Commons Park where everyone can relax and watch the skateboarders practice, or head over and try their skill at a game of miniature golf. Another terrific option for families is to drop in at Danada Equestrian Center to see what horses are out on the grounds—or in the barn, depending on the season.
History buffs or those looking for the museum experience can stop at the Wheaton Center for History to take part in one of the many educational programs offered, or simply to look through the engaging exhibits that line its walls. Devoted to preserving Wheaton’s deep heritage, the museum is comprised of four galleries of rotating exhibits, along with one permanent exhibit not to be missed —The Liberty Line: The Slaves’ Road to Freedom.
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