West Chicago community paints 350 feathers for giant 12-foot Phoenix sculpture at Gallery 200

On Friday, Nov. 6, Gallery 200 in West Chicago will host the opening reception for “Phoenix Rising,” a massive 9-foot-tall sculpture with a 12-foot wingspan, from 6 to 9 p.m.

Created by local artist Starla Snead, the monumental piece features 350 individual feathers painted by members of the West Chicago and local communities over the summer.

The collaborative sculpture serves as a powerful symbol of community, resilience, and growth. For Snead, the project also marks a deeply personal, spiritual journey. By bringing together hundreds of residents to hand-paint the feathers, “Phoenix Rising” transforms a singular artistic vision into a shared monument of local unity and rebirth.

Members of the public are invited to attend the opening reception to view the installation, meet the artist, and celebrate the collective effort of the community.

Gallery 200 is located at 200 Main St. The event is free and open to the public. For information, visit gallery200.net or facebook.com/Gallery200/.