Readers stick with it to name that piece

With jests and zest, you have proven that art truly is in the eye of the beholder. Where I saw beheaded Q-tips, you saw Grandpa's whiskers, a buried porcupine, winter wheat and "drinking straws gone wild!"

Those are just a few of the entries in our "name that piece" contest to aptly dub the public art piece -- also known as the white stand of "something" -- in front of the Algonquin Village Hall. Let's just say the contest has provoked a wide range of responses. And not just because the winners get one of two free wine-tasting parties for 20 generously donated by WineStyles in Lake in the Hills. Even before we announced that wonderful prize, your entries ran the gamut.

And, since? Whether it was the lure of the grape or some other incentive, it's clear some of you see things the rest of us don't. Not that I'm one to judge. Remember, I'm the one who saw beheaded Q-tips in that strand of white.

It's a "supermodel convention," contends Carolyn Agenlian of Lake in the Hills. A Cary man says it's a water fountain. That's on an icy day, right? Another reader called it "a needle in a haystack," and several of you dubbed it some type of spaghetti garden. One of you said it's actually a plumbers' garden.

Denis Akerberg said it's obvious the artist had a troubled and game-challenged childhood, trauma which had emerged now in the art work "The night of the living pick up sticks."

Karen Cremerius said it's actually "vertical pick up sticks," an ancient game recently discovered during excavation of the latest shopping center to go up along Randall Road.

Another reader, who had clearly just emerged from that Randall Road traffic, suggested we just call it: "Stick it."

Sticks and stones

Anytime you have public art on public land, you're likely to get a political view or two. Helen Langer of Huntley says the first thing she thought of was, "Hey, taxpayers, this is a stick up."

An Algonquin resident said the piece represents Algonquin village trustees "grasping at straws."

Another reader said "it's a waste of money." And Elaine Burnette of Algonquin, who casts her ballot at that village hall, said we should call it "Straw polls (poles)."

And I thought that's what they called the Iowa caucuses.

Speaking of which, one man said the art piece should be called "Life in the sticks." Another reader said we should dub it "Stick Around." That would seem to be what certain presidential candidates hope to do after those straw polls, eh?

Some of you saw something more profound. Former New Mexico resident Chris Butler, now of Lake in the Hills, says it's "Brush the Midwestern Sky." Another reader said we should call it "Sticks together" since it shows that Algonquin is a village that sticks together. Another said it's "standing on your own." And one suggested it showed "growing in faith, hope and charity."

It's "just before spring," said one West Dundee reader while another said it's the "Algonquin Indian Village of Spirits." Another reader said the cluster of white sticks was "Crazy Horse giving beginner TeePee" lessons."

The winners are ...

The winners -- and, believe me, it was incredibly difficult to choose just two --each will get a free wine-tasting party for themselves and 19 of their closest friends, family and neighbors. If you didn't win, you might want to give them a call. ...

Congratulations to: Janet Morey of Algonquin! Janet saw something the rest of us didn't and said we should name that piece "Sticking to solid ground," for it reminds us to stand on solid ground.

Remember that when you're sipping that wine, Janet!

And, congratulations also to Jan Koehler of Gilberts! Jan also saw something no one else spotted when she named that piece. Those are actually Shrek's toothpicks, she said, noting that every ogre needs some oversized toothpicks to freshen up.

But, of course.

Congratulations to you both and a giant thank you to everyone for playing! I think we might have to have another name that piece contest soon!

Hardcourt art

It will be a different art form on the court tonight and Saturday at Dundee-Crown High School, where the 25th annual Dundee-Crown Charger Classic caps another fine tournament with some great action on the hardwood. Games are at 6:30 and 8 p.m. at the tournament, which has featured some of the top girl basketball players and teams in the state. A key reason has been the fine efforts of Dundee-Crown head coach Joe Komaromy who will be honored at 6 p.m. Saturday as he readies to retire at the end of this school year. I hear you'd better get there early to get a seat.