Algonquin puts art on display

Algonquin's Public Art Program is bigger and better than ever.

"We have a record number of artists and artworks this year," said village planner Ben Mason, who noted 38 pieces from 27 local, regional and national artists.

The paintings, mixed media, wood cuts, prints, indoor sculptures, fiber work, mosaics, photography and outdoor sculptures will be unveiled at a 6 p.m. open house today at village hall, before being installed at schools, public buildings and shopping centers throughout the village.

"Reeds," a 10-foot-high metal pipe and solar panel sculpture by Chicago artist Brian Peters, will be positioned in front of village hall.

"The solar panels collect energy during the day, and then emit a soft glow at night," Mason said.

Algonquin Commons and River Pointe shopping centers also will receive sculptures.

"Schools will been given works with educational themes," Mason said.

At the opening reception, many of the participating artists will be in attendance to talk about their artwork.

Artists Manny Givot, Grant Terrell, Susanne Clark and Anne Marie Cina, all Algonquin residents, plan to attend, Mason said.

All artworks for display are on loan from the artists for at least one year. The artworks were evaluated by the Algonquin Public Arts Commission and village board using criteria outlined in the Algonquin Public Art Master Plan.

In its first two years, the Algonquin Public Art Program won three awards from Urban Innovation in Illinois, the Illinois chapter of the American Planning Association and the Illinois Municipal League.

"We're thrilled at how this has taken off," he said.

If you go

What: Algonquin Public Art Program open house

When: 6 p.m. today

Where: Algonquin village hall, 2200 Harnish Drive

Cost: Free

Info: www.algonquin.org