Museum program explores impact of graffiti
Submitted by Elgin Public Museum
On Thursday, July 18, join the Elgin Public Museum for a program that discusses the impact of graffiti on the city of Elgin.
Regardless of the motive, tagging a garage, toilet-papering a house, painting flowers on a wall or egging a car are all forms of vandalism.
Aaron Neil from Elgin’s Public Works Department, officer Mike Martino from Elgin’s police department and Elgin City Councilman Terry Gavin will discuss how the city is dealing with these wide ranging forms of vandalism. After the presentation of Elgin’s policies, the floor will be open to questions and discussion.
While at the museum, explore the exhibit that inspired the program, “Tagged: Exploring Modern Graffiti.” It investigated the pervasiveness of graffiti in contemporary society and considers both its artistic merit and transgressive nature. It was created by the graduate students enrolled in Northern Illinois University’s museum studies program.
The program will begin at 7 p.m. at the Elgin Public Museum, located in Lords Park at 225 Grand Blvd. Cost of the program is $5 per person, or $4 for museum members. To reserve a seat, contact (847) 741-6655 or epm@cityofelgin.org.
Donate books for sale: The Elgin Public Museum of Natural History and Anthropology is in the process of soliciting book donations.
On Saturday, Aug. 3, with the public’s help, the museum is having a book sale to help offset the costs of educational programming.
Books, on many levels, are the portal to a richer understanding of the world we live in.
“A truly good book teaches me better than to read it,” said Henry David Thoreau. “I must soon lay it down and commence living on its hint. What I began by reading, I must finish by acting.”
In keeping with the museum’s mission, donations of books relating to natural history, physical science and anthropology on all reading levels are appreciated.
This doesn’t mean light fiction will be rejected. After all, human beings do not live by science alone. Books should be in good condition, gently used. Please, no encyclopedias or textbooks that are not related to the fields of natural history or anthropology. Relative periodicals are welcome.
Books can be dropped off at the museum during normal hours, which are between noon and 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
If this is not possible, call (847) 741-6655, and museum staff will make arrangements for your donation. The museum is located in Lords Park at 225 Grand Blvd. in Elgin. Remember, donations to nonprofit institutions like the Elgin Public Museum are tax deductible. The sale will be held on Saturday, Aug. 3, beginning at 10 a.m. and ending at 3 p.m. Mark your calendar to stop by and expand your library.
In the words of Groucho Marx, “I must say I find television very educational. The minute somebody turns it on, I go to the library and read a good book.”