Help wanted

The faces are everywhere.

They are dark, some freestanding, some etched into wood posts, others perched atop a dilapidated house roof.

Collectively, these sculptures represent the struggles and successes of African Americans, local leaders say.

They are part of the once-vibrant African-American Heritage Museum and Black Veterans Archives, a mostly outdoor collection created by one man on his residential site at 126 S. Kendall St. near Aurora's east side.

Today, a boarded-up house sits on the property. Litter is strewn around the yard's perimeter. Everywhere, there are overgrown shrubs and weeds.

It's a site that understandably confuses some. It's also a site that couldn't scream "help!" more loudly if it tried.

Leaders say it's money that stands in the way of realizing a vision of reviving the museum. With consistent funding, they say, the museum could be a tourist destination, offering a cultural haven for young black students, and art and educational programs for the community.

"This project has so much viability, so much hope," said artist Charles Smith during a recent tour of his site.

Preserving history

In 1986, Smith, a Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient, built the museum at his home.

He had no formal art training, but Smith wanted to honor the several thousand blacks who died in Vietnam. His memorial eventually grew to include hundreds of pieces depicting a full range of African-American history.

Smith used discarded neighborhood items in his work. For example, a TV sits atop a post on his roof.

Some sculptures depict famous figures like Rodney King and Michael Jordan. Others are of slaves in chains, tackling issues of racism head-on.

His work, Smith said, gives blacks a sense of value by preserving the truth.

"The only thing that's going to bring us forward," he said, "is naked truth."

Museum struggles

But that honesty also may be why blacks haven't stepped up to support the museum financially. Roughly 90 percent of donations have come from white people, leaders say, with only 1 percent from blacks.

Leaders also have not been able to secure consistent funding from city and county officials.

It frustrates them, they say, that Aurora leaders list the museum in tourism guides but won't help financially.

City spokesman Carie Anne Ergo said the Aurora Public Art Commission is displaying roughly two dozen of Smith's works. Because his site isn't technically in city limits -- and because it has drainage issues that would make it difficult to preserve the art -- there's not much officials can do, she said.

However city leaders are focused on showcasing more African-American art in other ways if possible, she said.

Recently, Smith has been living in New Orleans after helping set up a similar history museum there. He continues to own the Aurora site.

Many of his works have been purchased by the Kohler Foundation in Wisconsin and distributed to art institutions around the country.

But as Smith has continued to gain national attention as an activist, artist and historian, the Aurora museum has languished.

It's been several years since it was last touched or any improvements made. It's a shame, museum leaders say, that people nationwide get Smith's vision, but those closer to home don't.

A vision

A thriving African-American museum, leaders say, could hold educational and diversity programs.

It could benefit both Kane County and Aurora financially as a tourist destination.

"We're bringing something, not taking something from you," said museum outreach coordinator Revin Fellows.

Ideally, Smith wants a safer site in Aurora for his museum, like downtown.

Ideally, he'd also like to secure roughly $185,000 a year in funding for staff and programming. Admission would be free for residents, with donations accepted.

Leaders currently are soliciting the help of state officials. Members of Sen. Barack Obama's camp recently visited for a tour.

Smith and his crew also will have an event celebrating the museum's 23rd year from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at the Forest Ridge Apartment Recreation Center by the museum. At noon, Smith will give an update on current efforts and projects.

To supporters, their mission's so obvious, they're frustrated others don't see it, too.

"Even if you don't like (Smith)," Fellows said, "you at least like culture."

If you go

What: African-American Heritage Museum and Black Veterans Archives' 23rd anniversary celebration

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today

Where: Forest Ridge Apartment Recreation Center, 452 Conservatory Lane, Aurora