UPDATE: The Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art in Oak Brook is set to ignite excitement on November 8 with its highly anticipated Lapidary Day, running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.West Suburban Lapidary Club (WSLC). Mary Prosek, the club’s school director, confirmed that 10 to 15 club members will showcase their skills, including techniques such as faceting and wire wrapping. “We have a guy that’s going to be doing faceting,” Prosek shared, highlighting the diversity of crafts on display.
This year, attendees will have the unique opportunity to safely try their hand at lapidary art, further enhancing the interactive experience. “A lot of people don’t know what lapidary is and what we do as a club,” Prosek explained, emphasizing the educational aspect of the event. Children can also participate in craft projects, with a special surprise in store—soft rocks shaped into hearts by instructor Jose Ponce.
Sara Kurth, a museum educator, stated, “Lapidary Day is an opportunity for the general population to see lapidary in action.” This annual event not only draws visitors but serves to deepen understanding of this lesser-known art form. Kyle Brill, the museum’s executive director, noted, “Most of our collection is created naturally by Mother Earth or from materials that were already beautiful, shaped into something spectacular by human hands.”
Since relocating to its modern facility in Oak Brook in November 2019, the museum has strengthened its ties with the WSLC, which was co-founded by Joseph Lizzadro. “Having Lapidary Day is at the heart of our museum’s mission,” Brill added, underscoring the importance of this event in connecting the community with the art of lapidary.
As the world becomes increasingly digital, the tactile nature of lapidary art offers a refreshing contrast. “When you’re dealing with lapidary, you have something solid and real in your hands,” Brill remarked. The museum, located at 1220 Kensington Rd., invites everyone to come and discover the beauty of rocks transformed into exquisite art.
Don’t miss this chance to witness the artistry of lapidary firsthand and enjoy a day of creativity and learning. For more information, contact the museum at 630-833-1616 or visit lizzadromuseum.org. This is an event you won’t want to miss!