Contact:

Rosemary Mackey
(630) 293-2200
rmackey@westchicago.org

 
City of West Chicago

475 Main Street
West Chicago, Illinois 60185

West Chicago’s Downtown Banner Project Unleashes Creative Talent
West Chicago, Illinois: April 28, 2010 – A juried contest of original art works submitted by both local and regional artists has resulted in the creation of nineteen 30” x 60” banners that will be hung on street poles along Main Street in downtown West Chicago from May – September. Now in its third year, the public art program sponsored by the West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission has captured the imaginations of artists looking for a unique venue to exhibit their work.

This year’s theme, “Animals”, unleashed the creative talents of the following selected artists: Marianne King, Kathy Lentz, Christine Rakow, Kathy Stadtfeld, Kathy Steere, Tina Lawrence, Judith Horsley, Margaret Bucholz, Harvey Hanig, Lisa Stapella, and Craig Wassel and from the Chicago region: Deborah Lader/ Daniel Silver, Kieran McGonnell, Leah Tumerman/Natalie Clark, Christy Freeman, Krista Wilder, Jacqueline Kling, Clare Rosean and David Flores. From a rooster with “attitude” to a dreamy-eyed cocker spaniel and a tuxedo-suited panda bear, the results of this call for art brought out whimsical, poignant, and endearing variations on the theme of animals.

Entries were judged by Whitney Bradshaw, curator of photography for the Bank of America Collection since 2008 and adjunct faculty member at Columbia College since 1998. Bradshaw has also served as the assistant curator for the renowned LaSalle Bank Photography Collection for 7 years. She has an MFA in photography from Columbia College Chicago and has exhibited her personal collection at the International Museum of Surgical Science in Chicago.

There will be an artist reception honoring the winners of this year’s banner competition on Saturday, May 15, 2010 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the West Chicago City Museum in conjunction with Blooming Fest and artXposium. Some of the original artwork which inspired the respective banners will be on display. As has become a tradition of the program, a People’s Choice Award winner will be selected at the end of the summer through ballots available at the City Museum, City Hall and Gallery 200. The artist/banner receiving the most votes will be the winner. Also available at these locations will be maps showing the location and artist of each banner. For a preview of the winning banners before the debut of the May display, visit this page, where you may also download the walking tour map.

 

 

 

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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