Photos wanted for art project in Des Plaines

The public is invited to participate in a community photo project in Des Plaines called "On the Street Where You Live, Work, and Play." Residents of all ages can submit photos of their house, favorite building, or other interesting structure in Des Plaines.

The effort is sponsored by the Des Plaines History Center, the Des Plaines Arts Council, Des Plaines Memory and the Des Plaines Public Library.

"This project is about having fun," said Rhonda Popko of the Arts Council. "People can contribute without feeling intimidated. It's not an art competition. Everyone has phones. Everyone can snap a picture."

The project was launched in conjunction with the Des Plaines History Center's current show, "Des Plaines Architecture: An Exhibit about our Homes and City." Community members can upload up to three photos to desplainesmemory.org, where they will be posted online.

Photos can also be scanned at the History Center, which is open to the public from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays and 1-4 p.m. Sundays. All photo submissions can include a brief description of the image or a memory of the scene or a statement about why the photo is meaningful.

Popko hopes the effort will create a sense of place by photographically portraying daily life in Des Plaines. She added that the photos will be displayed in a traveling mural and a sculptural work.

"This project gives people a chance to leave a mark and be part of something that everyone can partake in," she said. "It can make you feel good about where you live or worship or what you are passionate about."

Photos will be accepted until July 31. For information or help with submitting or scanning photos, call the History Center at (847) 391-5399 or email contact@desplaineshistory.org.

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