West Chicago seeks artists to interpret theme ‘The (Bi)Cycle of Life’
West Chicago is seeking artists to submit work on the theme “The (Bi)Cycle of Life” for the West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission’s 2014 Community Banner Art project.
The project dovetails with a historical exhibit of the same theme planned to debut at the West Chicago City Museum in early spring.
Both public exhibits are intended to focus on the introduction and evolution of cycling. The play on words also lends itself to interpretations on the broader theme of life cycles. Just as the wheels of a bicycle continue to roll, so do the seasons and time.
Since their introduction in Europe in the 1800s, bicycles have provided a way for people to travel that directly connects riders to nature. Quicker than walking and less cumbersome than driving, bikes have added speed to transportation and allow an individual to get around with ease.
Today, bicycles are still used for transportation, recreation, sport, and even for work by police officers and bike messengers.
From a historical perspective, bicycling enjoyed a golden age in the 1890s, with many clubs and organizations popping up throughout the country. These “Wheelman” clubs sponsored road races, parades and other community events.
One such race took place on July 4, 1895, in Turner Junction, the nickname for the Town of Turner, just as the small Midwestern community was turning a page in its own history by welcoming its new name, West Chicago.
The name change was part of an effort to attract industry and help draw prospective factory owners to invest in the community. A photograph maintained at the West Chicago City Museum commemorates a 5½-mile race that took place on this date.
Since those early days of cycling, bikes have remained an important part of recreational life in West Chicago. The Illinois Prairie Path cuts through the city’s downtown, providing bicyclists a great path in and out of town through some of the most scenic areas of the city.
Museum director and curator Sara Phalen spoke of the significance of both exhibits,
“Most people can remember the first time they rode a bike, learned or taught a child how to ride without training wheels, and the feeling of freedom those pedals provided.
“Bicycles provide new sensations as riders speed down hills or travel over bumpy passes. Traveling along the Prairie Path also allows bikers a way into the changing seasons that can bring the beautiful scenery nature can provide to our busy lives,” she said.
In addition to the exhibit in the City Museum, colorful banners depicting original works of art will be on display along Main Street in downtown West Chicago beginning in May.
Accomplished and emerging artists with a connection to West Chicago or currently living in the Chicago area are invited to submit digital files of original art for consideration for the Community Art Banner Project.
All media are welcome, with no limitations on technique or subject matter as long as the theme revolves around “The (Bi)Cycle of Life.” Entries must be received by Feb. 1.
An independent juror not affiliated with the West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission will select up to 10 works of art. Each winning design will be reproduced and featured in the 2014 exhibition. Artists selected will receive credit on both banner and in printed materials related to the exhibition. The artists will be asked to submit a brief statement about the inspiration for their piece for press use.
A reception honoring the selected artists will be held May 14 at Gallery 200 in downtown West Chicago during West Chicago’s annual Blooming Fest. During the run of the exhibit, the general public will be invited to vote for an artist/banner to receive a People’s Choice Award.
Submission details and an online application is available at www.westchicago.org under Forms. For details, call Sara Phalen at (630) 231-3376.