DOWNTOWN HIGHLAND PARK'S WINTER MOSAICS PROJECT ANNOUNCES BEST IN SHOW WINNER, “HARNESSING HUNDERTWASSER” BY CHRIS ZONTA
HIGHLAND PARK, IL (MAY 29, 2013) – Downtown Highland Park's 2013 Winter Mosaics project has officially announced its “Best In Show” winner, local artist Chris Zonta and her wondrous piece, “Harnessing Hundertwasser”. Over 40 artists submitted their work for consideration, and only five were chosen as finalists to create juried mosaics. These five beautifully crafted winter mosaics went on display on the gorgeous landscaped streets of the Central Avenue Shopping District in downtown Highland Park from January through May 2013. Zonta's piece was voted unanimously as the final winner, juried by the Highland Park Public Arts Advisory Group, and she will receive a $1,000 prize.
Chris Zonta, an artist hailing from Chicago, was thrilled to hear that she had won. “It has truly been an honor to work with the Highland Park arts community. I really appreciate that they took on this unique project and supported mosaic artists in their work. I see these kinds of projects all over the country, and it's nice to see one in this lovely Chicago suburb.”
Zonta's interest in mosaic developed back in 1994 after working as a fiber artist. Currently, she facilitates mosaic mural projects for schools, libraries, and various groups and organizations through her art residencies. Her winning mosaic piece is appropriately titled, “Harnessing Hundertwasser”, to embody the artwork of the well-known Austrian artist, Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Hundertwasser's work was eccentric and bright, often straying away from straight lines. Zonta's mosaic illustrates his work successfully; a three foot high by six feet wide rectangle with an array of reds, blues, greens, and yellows, curving lines and abstract thought. “Harnessing Hundertwasser” will proudly remain on display in downtown Highland Park.
The Great Arts Winter Mosaics created an atmosphere of vibrant and lively winter scenes, while bringing creativity and arts interest to the Highland Park community. The third in a series of ongoing art installations on display in Downtown Highland Park, including Butterflies on Display and The Magic Garden, these projects exemplify the Great Arts throughout the community. The themed 'decorate the streets with art' contests bring the community together for various efforts to make Highland Park a more interesting and lively place to visit and shop.
Miriam Glabman, Chair of the Highland Park Public Arts Advisory Group, was an integral part in choosing the “Best in Show” mosaic. “This particular artwork was thought to be outstanding for its original, artistic, re-interpretation of Hundertwasser's style and palette, and also for its exceptional technical execution.”
Highland Park is fast becoming known as the North Shore's destination for visual, performance, literary, and musical arts. The Highland Park Cultural Arts Network, or HPCAN, was designed to raise awareness of the uniqueness of the North Shore arts. They are dedicated to bringing mutual support to local cultural arts groups, as well as providing resources and information. A few cultural centers in Highland Park include The Art Center, Midwest Young Artists, Highland Park Poetry, and the Irina Makkai Classical Ballet & Dance School. For more information on HPCAN visit their website at www.HPCAN.org.