Impressive Suspended Sculptures Bring Indoor Public Art to Main Street Promenade

The indoor pieces are bringing a touch of modernism to Naperville's eclectic mix of publicly viewed art. The sculptures feature gracefully connected, uplifting geometric shapes, fabricated to reflect the materials, architectural design, and arches within the building itself.

"The developers created a multi-dimensional space at Main Street Promenade," Jones explained. "And the venue is emblematic of the larger community." The building includes upscale small and large service businesses. "It has a sense of energy," Jones noted. "People from all walks of life pass through the halls every day."

In describing the artwork, Jones said, "I wanted to create a beautiful point of emphasis in each atrium - sculptures that are uplifting and reflect a sense of optimism. I have tried to capture movement and contrast in each piece." The geometric and curvilinear aspects of the pieces, as well as triangular grids that allow light to pass through and cast shadows, create graceful circular and vertical movements in each hanging sculpture.

Fabricated of steel, the sculptures include bronze-powder-coated and bright nickel-plated surfaces. The warm nickel plating plays off the dark metallic bronze, creating a strong visual contrast and nice artistic movement in the pieces.

Each of the sculptures weighs less than 300 pounds. "I had to create designs that use positive and negative space. I tried to use different planes that visually implied volume," Jones explained

The first sculpture was installed on January 8. "I titled it Shiver - like when you meet someone new or have a new opportunity," said Jones. "That positive shiver of excitement!" The second piece was installed on January 14 and is titled Pulse.

The sculptures were created by the artist in the Neuqua Valley High School Fine Arts Department workshop with the help of Terry Peterson, a surface treatment expert from Performance Powder Coating in Naperville. Jeremy Thurlby, a graduate sculpture student at SIU helped Jones solve some of the more complex design aspects of the pieces. John Fries, a master craftsman who builds custom motorcycles in Aurora, also mentored Jones, suggesting tools and sharing steel-fabricating techniques with him. Mike Stengel, who oversees construction at Main Street Promenade, was instrumental in hanging the artwork in the building.

Jones also credits his wife, Janie, for her support and for allowing him to create and complete the suspended sculptures in a timely manner. "She brought dinners to me at the studio and freed up time for me at home so I could work on them," he said gratefully.

"It has been a great journey," Jones said. "Anybody who is an artist or craftsman knows that you start with the original vision and do a lot of problem solving during the journey. Things happen along the way that change the way you need to approach things. That is part of the excitement and fun.

"The back and forth with the students in the studio at Neuqua was exciting," he continued. "The students helped with color selection and the placement of the pieces." Each piece was personally hand cut and custom built, and many were awkward and big. "Sometimes it was difficult to rig support pieces so I could work on the sculpture. At times, I set parts of my piece up so I could visualize them together, and students helped me with that."

It was Debbie Venezia, executive director of the Naperville Art League, who first encouraged Jones to submit his concepts for the project to Dwight and Ruth Yackley. "I've always been an admirer of Steve's work. I was a judge for a Lombard art show several years ago and first saw his work there. Steve is an excellent choice for this project. He has many students in the area, and it will be inspirational for them to see his success!"

"I want to thank Principal Dr. Robert McBride and Fine Arts Department Chair Charles Staley for their support," Jones said. "They nurture us to develop as practicing artists, as well as teachers. We are on the same journey as our students. That's what makes our art department so special."

According to Staley, "Most teachers call the room where they teach a classroom. Mr. Jones calls his space his studio.

"One of the things that makes Steve an extraordinary teacher is his continual development as an artist. His work is evolving from day to day. Students have watched him 'finish' one of his works of art for months. His painstaking attention to the detail required to produce a piece helps students understand what it takes for an artist to communicate directly with an audience."

Staley explained, "He challenges students to trust their ability to express themselves through their art. He helps students gain confidence so that they go beyond their own expectations to create art that effectively evokes their feelings and emotions. Spend 10 minutes in Mr. Jones' classroom and you will see how he gently encourages his students to take risks and to think and feel artistically. You will see why his students love working with him."

Principal Robert McBride described the importance of encouraging teachers to work on their art at school. "Steve is incredibly committed. It is so important when you teach art to be an artist yourself. You can empathize with the students about their art and about their frustrations. I can't think of a better way for an art teacher to prepare to teach his own students that to practice his own art."

McBride added, "I appreciate the support that other organizations have given to Steve and to the arts. They recognize that he is an incredibly talented artist."

Dwight and Ruth Yackley have long been supporters of public art in Naperville. The 10th piece dedicated by Century Walk, a bronze sculpture titled Genevieve, is located outside their development at Washington Corners, near the entrance to Barnes and Noble. The Yackleys also worked with artist Jeff Adams to create the 22nd Century Walk piece, a bronze fountain titled Symbiotic Sojourn, which is in the archway at Main Street Promenade. The developers also financed the book, Century Walk: Art Imitating History, which highlights the first 35 pieces of public art in Naperville.

For more information about Steve Jones and his artwork, please visit his website at stevejonesart.com.