West Chicago debuts 'Pop Art on Main Street'
A fresh, new banner exhibit has popped up on Main Street, and the West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission is excited to share the colorful, bold results of the call for art that went out to local and area artists late last year.
Commission members chose the theme "Pop Art" and placed no limitations on technique or subject matter.
Bodo Gsedl, an international artist and resident of West Chicago's Sister City in Taufkirchen Vils, Germany, selected 21 of the 26 submissions. The banners are currently in production.
The following artists have work included in the 2018 exhibit, which will hang on Main Street from mid-May to September: Lewis Achenbach, Joe Allard, Elise Brandt, Karolina Brandt, Anne Frantzen, Uwe Gsedl, Peter Hagerty, Carolyn Hansen, Judi Horsley, Alexis Long, Buddy Plumlee, Sarah Plumlee, Jennifer Ralph, Aldo Risolvo, Giuseppee Risolvo, Starla Snead, Kathy Steere, Natalia Toreeva, Steve Treudt, Joan Trushin, and Philip A. Weibler.
Ranging from whimsical to thought-provoking the artwork will enhance the downtown experience for countless visitors this summer. Walking tour maps are available at City Hall, 475 Main St.; the City Museum, 132 Main St.; and Gallery 200, 103 W. Washington St. Plus, an interactive online map, also good for use on portable devices is now available at westchicago.maps.arcgis.com.
Artists were introduced on the main stage at Blooming Fest on Saturday, May 19, and a public reception was held at the City Museum the same day.
Visitors got to meet the artists and enjoy refreshments. Also available for visitors' enjoyment were some of the original works of art reflected in the banners.
The cultural arts commission has announced next year's theme, "Love," and hopes it inspires many to participate in the 2019 exhibit. Applications are available on the city's website.
For more information or questions about the 2018 Community Art Banner Exhibitor Reception, or getting involved in next year's exhibit, contact Rosemary Mackey at (630) 293-2200, ext. 139.