Young artist’s ‘Pursuit of Happiness’ sculpture unveiled as Elgin's America 250 sculpture

On Saturday, Oct. 10, Side Street Studio Arts, in partnership with the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission, Illinois Arts Council, and Your Neighbor Elgin, will unveil “Pursuit of Happiness, Elgin’s permanent America 250 public sculpture, at 1 p.m. The artwork stands at the corner of South Riverside Drive and Prairie Street in downtown Elgin. The unveiling is free and open to the public.

To celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary, Side Street Studio Arts invited Elgin youth under age 18 to imagine the future of America through original artwork. The selection panel unanimously chose a design by Elgin student Nathan Adeosun, who was 12 when he created “Pursuit of Happiness.”

Nathan’s design imagines the United States 250 years from now as a nation whose founding ideals have become lived realities. At its center is a monumental hand in bronze, silver, and steel tones, representing the many people and cultures that make up the nation. Around it are a butterfly symbolizing rebirth, the Statue of Liberty holding a flame and releasing a dove, a mother and child representing care for future generations, and a dancing couple celebrating joy and human connection.

In his artist statement, Nathan describes this future America as “diverse yet united, strong yet peaceful, innovative yet rooted in history, free yet compassionate, reborn yet recognizable.”

Over the past several months, Nathan has worked alongside local artists, designers, and fabricators to transform his original drawing into a large-scale permanent sculpture for downtown Elgin, preserving the ideas and imagery at the heart of his design.

“This project asked young people to imagine not only where our nation has been, but where it could go,” said Erin Rehberg, founder and executive director. “Nathan’s work offers a vision grounded in empathy, resilience, and creativity. It has been equally exciting to watch so many artists, fabricators, community partners, and supporters come together to take the vision of a 12-year-old Elgin artist and make it part of our city’s landscape.”

“As Nathan’s mom, I’m incredibly proud to see his imagination and his heart reflected in this project,” said Denise Adeosun. “What excites me most is that he approached the future of America with hope — not just for himself, but for others.”

Saturday’s celebration will include music from Marc Thayer and Yael Xolalpa of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, remarks from Nathan and community leaders and project partners, and the official unveiling of the sculpture.

The creation of “Pursuit of Happiness” has been a community effort. Special thanks to local artists, designers, and fabricators Mackayla Norman, Dan Garcia, Jimmy Weigele, George Stefely, Freddrick Wimms, Jame Wieger, Andres Rivera Jr., Ken Simonsen, Paul Niemeyer, and Acme Design, including Arturo Delgado, Clint Borucki, and the entire Acme team, as well as Amanda Harris and City of Elgin staff and volunteers.

The project is sponsored by state Sen. Cristina Castro, Ziegler’s Ace Hardware, Palmer Foundation, and the Grand Victoria Foundation.

The artwork is supported by the Illinois Arts Council's America’s 250th Public Art Grant celebrating Illinois in 2026. The grant is part of a statewide initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and inviting communities across Illinois to explore what “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness” might mean for generations to come.

See Nathan’s original design and learn more about the project at sidestreetstudioarts.org/america250.

Side Street Studio Arts advances engagement in the arts by providing inclusive access to exhibition, performance, education, and advocacy resources, because art is important. For information, visit sidestreetstudioarts.org, call 847-429-2276, or email info@sidestreetstudioarts.org.