News

Artists decorated benches, which will be sold for charity

Posted October 08, 2009 11:00 pm

By Kimberly Pohl

The Palatine Chamber of Commerce launched a community art initiative, "Best Seats in Town." Painting in Partnership decorated and sponsored this bench. Courtesy Palatine Chamber of Commerce

Palatine residents may notice two dozen stylish new places to take a load off as they travel around town.

This month, 24 park benches decorated by local artists will be on display throughout the village - part of the Palatine Chamber of Commerce's "The Best Seats in Town."

It's truly a community art initiative. Local businesses are sponsoring the benches, which have been decorated by professional artists and students from Quest Academy, Positive Strokes Art School and Fremd and Palatine High Schools.

"We wanted to find a way to engage the public with the chamber and felt a community art event was the ideal option," Palatine Chamber of Commerce Director Mindy Philips said.

On Nov. 12, the benches will be available for purchase at a public auction. Funds raised will benefit the chamber's scholarship fund and a number of charities including Clearbrook, Journeys from PADS to Hope and Little City.

A walking route map of the benches is available at the chamber office, 625 N. North Court, and on the chamber Web site, palatinechamber.com. Art lovers may also weigh in on their favorite bench by voting online on a ballot attached to the map.

The public auction and picnic dinner will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, at Palatine's Cotillion Banquet Hall, 360 S. Creekside Drive. Tickets are $35 before Oct. 30 and $40 after that.

For details, call the chamber at (847) 329-7200.

The Palatine Chamber of Commerce has launched the community art initiative, "Best Seats in Town." This bench, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Palatine, was decorated by Brian Chalmers. Courtesy Palatine Chamber of Commerce

The Palatine Chamber of Commerce has launched a community art initiative, "Best Seats in Town." This bench, sponsored by the Palatine Park District, was decorated by David Ogorzaly. Courtesy Palatine Chamber of Commerce

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