Attend open house, view art on display

Algonquin will host an open house from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Algonquin Village Hall, 2200 Harnish Drive, to unveil more than 30 new pieces of artwork for public display.

The open house reception is free and open to the public and will be the official launch of the village's third annual Public Art Program.

In its first two years, the Algonquin Public Art Program won three awards from Urban Innovation in Illinois, the Illinois chapter of the American Planning Association and the Illinois Municipal League.

Light refreshments will be served during the opening reception, and many of the participating artists will be in attendance to talk about their artwork.

The Algonquin Village Board and Public Arts Commission will deliver some remarks about the art display program at 7 p.m. After the open house, the artwork will be installed at 10 indoor and six outdoor locations throughout the Village.

All artwork for display are on loan from the artists for at least one year. The artwork was evaluated by the Algonquin Public Arts Commission and Village Board using criteria outlined in the Algonquin Public Art Master Plan.

The Algonquin Public Art Program was established in 2005 with the purpose of enhancing the community's sense of place through a celebration of art. The placement of art in public spaces is intended to enrich, stimulate, and enhance the aesthetic experience. Overall, the Public Art Program will create a richer place for residents and visitors and define Algonquin as a unique place in the region.

For details, call Jeff Mihelich, assistant village manager or Ben Mason, planner, at (847) 658-4184.