West Chicago City Hall Offers Art and History Through Two New Displays



		Mark Fortman displays his artwork at City Hall during the months of January, February and March.

West Chicago, Illinois: January 15, 2010 – Visitors to West Chicago’s City Hall at 475 Main Street will find more than the usual menu of services on their next visit. Art and history await their enjoyment through the installation of a rotating local art series and a new permanent display that uses text, photographs and artifacts to invite discovery of West Chicago’s early history and subsequent development.

Thanks to the efforts of the Cultural Arts Commission, the public display of art continues to enhance the experience of a City Hall visit and showcases the abundant talent that resides in and around the community. The featured artist for January, February and March is Mark Fortman, a long time resident of West Chicago. Fortman is a self-taught artist, who works in pen and ink. Several of his drawings of local scenes have been selected as People’s Choice winners at the annual Fine Arts Fiesta.

Featured pieces in the City Hall exhibit include a scene at the West Chicago Fire Protection District station, a historic home, a railroad trestle, a locomotive and the iconic West Chicago water tower. Prints of these originals may be purchased at Gallery 200, 200 Main Street.

The six panel permanent exhibit was the result of research and writing by the Museum staff and provides a capsule-sized version of a much larger story which begs further exploration at the City Museum, located at 132 Main Street. Exhibit panels were fabricated of a unique bio-based material made from an agricultural fiber consisting of sunflower hulls. Written in English and Spanish, the exhibit concentrates on West Chicago’s earliest history, but more recent developments are also explored.

Connections that date back to prehistoric times and contribute to the City as it is known today may be surprising. Photographs and artifacts further serve to bring West Chicago’s story to life. These were chosen with respect to their preservation needs and their stability in a display environment. They provide a glimpse of life, and witness to a storied past. “We hope the display will inspire a greater appreciation for West Chicago’s rich history, and bring clarity to the question, ‘how did we get here?’. We look forward to seeing many families come through the exhibit as a way to spark the younger generation’s appreciation of the history of their hometown,” said City Museum Director LuAnn Bombard. City Hall is regularly open to the public Monday – Friday, from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

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West Chicago is a diverse, family-oriented community with a rich cultural mix and a proud heritage. It is the first Illinois community established by the railroads and continues to be a convenient transportation hub served by three major rail lines, Illinois' third-busiest airport and three state highways. West Chicago offers award-winning schools, a growing industrial park and convenient access to parks, shopping and restaurants. Additional information can be found on the City's website at www.westchicago.org or by calling Rosemary Mackey directly at (630) 293-2200 x 139.

CITY OF WEST CHICAGO 475 Main Street, West Chicago, Illinois 60185 T - (630) 293-2200 www.westchicago.org