West Chicago Community Banner Project on display

What comes to mind when you hear the word “balance?”

“A Question of Balance,” the theme for the 2013 Community Art Banner Project, provides the perspectives of 11 artists who answered the call for art from the West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission.

The chosen artwork has been transferred to one-of-a-kind street banners that transform Main Street in West Chicago into an outdoor gallery from May through September.

Submissions for the 2013 Community Art Banner Project were juried by the husband-and-wife artist team of Mario Contreras and Diana Gabriel of The Contreras Gabriel Project.

Thirty-one applications were received from 16 artists. The winning artwork was created by the following individuals who live in or around West Chicago: Anne Frantzen, Lewis Achenbach, Mark Anderson, Rebecca Hall, Harvey Hanig, Judith Horsley, Kathryn Lentz, Sylvia Mosier, James Rakow, Craig Wassel and Rachel Weaver-Rivera.

The graphic designs bring an interesting visual element to downtown West Chicago. Each work of art was incorporated into a 30-by-60-inch banner template through the artistry of Cultural Arts Commission member John Keeney, whose own art graces the entry banners at each end of the display.

The result is a compelling display of public art for the enjoyment of residents and visitors.

Now in its sixth year, the project has captured the attention of neighboring communities, some of which have inquired about the logistics of putting their own displays together.

To see all the winning designs, visit westchicago.org or pick up a Banner Walking Tour Map at city hall, the City Museum or Gallery 200 and plan a trip downtown to see them.