The Olmec Origin heads are arriving to Gail Borden Nov. 13
The Olmec heads are arriving. The “Olmec Origins” culturally decorated heads exhibit will be opening at the Gail Borden Public Library at 270 N. Grove Ave. in Elgin.
These heads were located at various throughout DuPage County this summer, so this is an opportunity to enjoy all of these unique heads at one place. While the original Olmec heads from 1600 BCE weighed tons and were 10 to 15 feet high, the 33 Olmec heads that will be located on both floors of the library will be somewhat smaller (somewhat over 5 feet), featuring a variety of colorful and cultural designs. The exhibit will be at the library until mid-January 2025.
In partnership with the Mexican Cultural Center of DuPage, the library will host the large, artisan Olmec heads that represent individual artists' sense of Mexican cultural history as well as their home cities. Many of the Olmec artists hail from the 2026 World Cup hosting cities in Mexico, Canada and the United States.
The Olmecs were one of the earliest known major Mesoamerican civilizations and laid the foundation for the Mexican cultures that followed. Many people have come to learn about the Olmec culture via their art, including these colossal heads.
Everyone is invited to the kickoff at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13. The opening will include special guests Carlos Tortolero, the founder and president emeritus of the National Museum of Mexican Art, and Fernando Ramirez, president of the Mexican Cultural Center DuPage. On top of viewing this unique Olmec head exhibit, there will be activities for kids, music, dancing and giveaways.
In 2023, almost 150,000 people visited the Mexican Cultural Center partnered exhibit, “Alebrijes, Creatures of a Dream World.“ Library officials expect to welcome an abundance of visitors to visit Olmec Origins as well, and will offer exhibit tours. Interested in a tour? Please contact Jeanie Ziegler, jziegler@gailborden.info.
“We are so happy to host all 33 of these Olmec heads in the library," said Karen Fox, president of the Gail Borden Public Library Foundation. "Our staff and volunteers will provide tours for students and many other visitors who come to the Library to see these amazing Olmec heads. It's exciting to see them discover more at our beautiful library and eager to return to see the next exhibit."
They wish to thank the Gail Borden Public Library Foundation, Premier Sponsor KCT Credit Union; Elgin State Bank–Wintrust, Senator Cristina Castro, DLA Architects, International Contractors, North End Youth Center, Churros Y Chocolate, Papa Johns, Angelo Caputo’s Fresh Markets, Bear Family Restaurants, Councilwoman Rose Martinez, Cross Kicks, Dan & Karen Fox in Memory of Tom Rakow, Elgin Area Chamber, Elgin Community College, ELLAS, Fox Valley Hands of Hope, Greater Family Health, Huck Bouma, Karas Family Restaurants, Rep. Anna Moeller, Right At School, SMC Construction. Many of these sponsors are also sponsoring the November 2, The Inaugural Day of the Dead 5K Race & Festival, in partnership with the U-46 Educational Foundation. We also thank the College of DuPage.
There will be additional Olmec related programs.
A Tribute to Mexican Heritage: Artist Talk with Olmec Head Artist Liz Gonzalez
6-7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14, Main Library Elgin Room
Uncover the artistic journey of Kansas City, Mo., artist Liz Gonzalez, and how her dual upbringing in U.S. and Mexican cultures have deeply influenced her work. Hear more about her involvement with designing one of the Olmec heads, and the importance of preserving and celebrating cultural identity by creating projects like Olmec Origins. Please register here.
Olmec Scavenger Hunt & Win Prizes
Begins Nov. 13
Solve the mysterious Olmec message! Find the painted mini Olmec heads at Major Sponsors’ locations throughout the Elgin area and scan the QR codes to decode their hidden messages. Once you’ve found them all, turn in your completed sheet to any library location for an Olmec frisbee (while supplies last). www.gbpl.info/scavengerhunt.
For more information, visit www.gailborden.info/olmec.