A new 2-mile sculpture walk is set to open this Saturday, linking the Jefferson Park and Portage Park business districts in Chicago. This public art initiative features 10 sculptures, with five being newly installed pieces. The project aims to enhance community engagement and attract visitors to local businesses along Milwaukee Avenue, stretching from the Six Corners shopping area to just past Foster Avenue.
Key Takeaways
- A 2-mile sculpture walk opens Saturday along Milwaukee Avenue.
- The trail connects Jefferson Park and Portage Park business districts.
- It features 10 sculptures, including five new installations.
- The project received $300,000 in state funding.
- The walk includes accessibility features like braille plaques and audio descriptions.
Funding and Community Impact
The project, led by Arts Alive Chicago, received funding through a $300,000 capital improvement grant. State Senator Robert Martwick sponsored this grant. He emphasized the role of public art in urban development.
“Public art transforms neighborhoods, sparks conversation and brings people together,” Martwick said in a news release. “The NW Art Trail isn’t just a celebration of art — it’s a celebration of our community and the people who make it vibrant.”
The funding became available after Governor JB Pritzker signed a $45 billion capital plan in 2019. Martwick had discussed plans for a sculpture walk for years, dating back to former 45th Ward Ald. John Arena's term.
Project Facts
- Length: 2 miles
- Number of Sculptures: 10 (5 new, 5 existing)
- Funding: $300,000 state grant
- Lead Organization: Arts Alive Chicago
Dedication Ceremony and Public Access
The new sculptures will be dedicated during a ceremony this Saturday. The event starts at 10 a.m. at Parkway Bank, located at 4858 N. Milwaukee Ave. Guided tours of the sculpture walk are scheduled for noon and 2 p.m.
Additional art exhibits will be present along the route. Senator Martwick is seeking volunteers for the dedication ceremony. Interested individuals can contact [email protected].
Wayfinding and Information
Arts Alive President Cyd Smillie confirmed that about a dozen trail markers will be placed on buildings between the sculptures. These markers, created by Indiana artists Clare Backer Bies and Romy Kissel, will help visitors navigate the walk.
Businesses along the corridor will provide pamphlets with details about the sculptures and the artists. A dedicated website has also been launched. It includes a map of the trail and information on nearby murals and arts organizations.
Accessibility Features
Each sculpture includes a brass plaque with information about the piece and its artist. The plaques for the new sculptures will also feature braille translations. Audio descriptions for the sculptures and surrounding local businesses are being added to the Otocast app, making the experience more inclusive for all visitors.
Art Selection and Diversity
The Chicago Sculpture Exhibit has worked with Arts Alive for almost two decades. When Martwick approached Arts Alive last year, Smillie contacted Eric Craig, a Jefferson Park-based photographer. Craig played a key role in finding artists and sculptures for the project.
Smillie expressed pride in the diverse array of artists and art styles represented. Some sculptures, like Schencheng Xu's "Northbound," are abstract. This colorful painted-steel piece depicts geese during their annual migration. Others, such as the existing bronze "Thomas Jefferson" statue, feature a more traditional style.
Historical and Cultural Significance
The sculpture walk aims to draw more visitors to local businesses and highlight arts organizations. These include the Filament Theatre, Gift Theatre, historic Portage Theater, Copernicus Center, Paschke Art Center, and the National Veterans Art Museum.
Smillie noted that many pieces carry historical significance, offering a way to learn about the neighborhood. For instance, the Jefferson Park War Memorial at 5411 W. Higgins Ave. marks a World War II enlistment site. The "Volga" sculpture at 5266 N. Milwaukee Ave. incorporates a neon star salvaged from the old Red Star Inn restaurant in 2015.
Featured Sculptures and Artists
- "Stepped Arch" (existing)
- "Thomas Jefferson" (existing bronze statue)
- "VOLGA" (existing, includes salvaged neon star)
- "The Essence of Nature" by Janet Austin (new)
- "Northbound" by Schencheng Xu (new, abstract painted-steel)
Making Art Accessible
Arts Alive President Cyd Smillie hopes the sculpture walk will make art more accessible to the public. She highlighted the importance of such initiatives, especially with ongoing budget cuts to arts education in schools.
“As we continue to cut funding for arts education in schools, this is one way we can expose kids to art, is by getting it out on the street,” Smillie said.
This project provides an opportunity for children and adults alike to engage with art outside of traditional gallery settings. It integrates artistic expression directly into the urban landscape, fostering cultural appreciation and community pride.
Ongoing Support for Local Arts
The initiative reflects a sustained effort to bring art into public spaces. Plans for an arts corridor on the Far Northwest Side have been considered for several years. The realization of this sculpture walk represents a significant step in that direction.
The project not only showcases diverse artistic talent but also supports local businesses and cultural institutions. It is expected to become a popular destination for residents and tourists, boosting the local economy and enriching the cultural fabric of these Chicago neighborhoods.