Naperville's Century Walk art

It's hard to imagine what Naperville might be like without the Mosers, the Fredenhagens, the farm families, the veterans and the volunteers who changed the face of the community with their vision, their spirit and their drive.

Surely the city would feel different. Certainly it would look different with out the projects they dreamed of and carried out.

Naperville without the Riverwalk? Unimaginable.

And just as hard to picture is a downtown Naperville without lasting tributes to those who loved and shaped the city.

Over the last 15 years, the city has added pieces of public art to the streets, walkways and buildings in an homage to the key people and places of Naperville's 20th century history. The Century Walk now comprises 35 sculptures, murals, mosaics and reliefs.

As the community celebrates the release of author Jini Clare's book, "Century Walk: Art Imitating History," we take a look at the art around us and its reflection of our shared past.

Title: Naperville's OwnArtist: S. Michael ReLocation: Along Washington Street at Jefferson AvenueInstallation: 1996Description: The relief honors the long history of the Naperville Municipal Band by showing the band marching from its original bandstand toward the Community Concert Center in Central Park.Title: River ReveriesArtist: Jennifer HerethLocation: Jackson Avenue between Webster and Main streetsInstallation: 1996Description: Reminiscent of lounges crafted by Kroehler Manufacturing Company, the mosaic benches include images inspired by Naper Settlement photo albums.Title: The Printed WordArtist: Tim EttersLocation: Van Buren Avenue at Main StreetInstallation: 1998Description: The mural tells the story of publishing in Naperville from David Givler and James Nichols through photography, fonts and tools of the trade to the computer screen.Title: Heartland HarvestArtist: Kathleen Farrell and Kathleen ScarboroLocation: Main Street at Jefferson Avenue Installation: 1997Description: Honoring the landscapes that once dominated the area, this Italian glass tile mosaic pays homage to the historic contributions of Naperville's family farms.Title: Growth and ChangeArtist: Jack HolmeLocation: Jefferson Avenue at Ellsworth StreetInstallation: 1997Description: Three bent panels of steel depict the tools of business, industry and the household as an expression of the change and growth in Naperville.Title: A City in TransitArtist: Mariah de Forest and Hector DuarteLocation: Washington Street at Chicago AvenueInstallation: 1998Description: The mural shows the evolution of travel, including local icons and the DuPage River, Old Plank Road, the railroad and the Lima Lima flight team.Title: Naperville Artist: Gregg LeFevreLocation: Jackson Avenue at Webster StreetCreation: 1986Description: Naperville's geographic history is captured in the symbol-laden map created in 36 squares of bronze relief inset in the sidewalk.Title: Man's Search for Knowledge Through the AgesArtist: Mara SmithLocation: Jefferson Avenue at Webster StreetCreation: 1987Description: The bas-relief sculpture carved in brick symbolizes the human quest for learning through open books, the solar system, the Tree of Knowledge and more flowing toward a space station and the search for future knowledge.Title: Reading ChildrenArtist: Dennis SmithLocation: Jackson Avenue between Eagle and Webster streetsCreation: 1988Description: Cast in bronze, the sculpture of a young girl and boy reading books captures the delight the pastime brings to Naperville's children.Title: River of LifeArtist: Students from Naperville Central High School and Jefferson, Kennedy, Lincoln, Madison and Washington junior high schoolsLocation: Jefferson Avenue between Webster and Main streets Installation: 1999Description: The clay story quilts celebrate the diversity of Naperville life and were created in classes as a comprehensive, cooperative art project by local students working with teachers and artist-in-residence Corinne Peterson.Title: GenevieveArtist: Pamela S. CarpenterLocation: Chicago Avenue at Washington StreetInstallation: 1999Description: The bronze sculpture pays tribute to Naperville journalist and historian Genevieve Towsley, who wrote about the people and events that shaped Naperville.Title: Golden Rule DaysArtists: George and Shirley OlsonLocation: Jefferson Avenue between Washington and Ellsworth streetsInstallation: 2000Description: The sculpture honors rural teacher Reba Steck, who taught for 48 years and encouraged students to follow her version of the Golden Rule: "We'll treat everyone the way we want to be treated."Title: Pillars of the CommunityArtist: Diosdado "Dodie" MonderoLocation: Chicago Avenue near Main StreetInstallation: 2001Description: The American Art Deco-style images on the three panels honor important people, places and events in Naperville's 20th century history.Title: Horse Market DaysArtists: Pamela S. Carpenter, Robert Buono and Torensten MuehlLocation: Aurora Avenue at Webster StreetInstallation: 2001Description: As depicted in the bronze sculptures, young boys and herd dogs often helped move horses sold and traded at Horse Market Days outside the Pre-Emption House in Naperville in the 1800s and early 1900s.Title: College Community CountryArtist: Shirley MossLocation: Outside Merner Field House, 450 S. Brainard St.Installation: 2001Description: The sculpture honors William Shatzer II, who earned "Little All-American" honors at North Central College and served in the Navy in World War II before being reported missing in action.Title: Cars of the CenturyArtist: Sheri LawLocation: Van Buren Avenue between Main and Washington streetsInstallation: 2001Description: The stained glass panels represent four cars and local dealerships from the 20th century, when as many as seven dealerships were located within three blocks downtown.Title: Be The Best You Can BeArtist: Emanuel MartinezLocation: Aurora Avenue between West and Eagle streetsInstallation: 2002Description: The sculpture commemorates Naperville High School basketball standout William "Billy" Scherer, who encouraged others to "be the best you can be." A Naperville Central high school athlete receives a scholarship in his honor each year.Title: A Lifetime TogetherArtist: Emanuel MartinezLocation: Main Street at Jackson Avenue Installation: 2002Description: The statue tells the story of Jane Latshaw and Willian "Billy" Scherer, who were born in Naperville in 1918, attended grade school through high school together, married in 1941 and spent 60 years as husband and wife.Title: Yes We CanArtist: Earl SwansonLocation: Jefferson Avenue between Main and Washington StreetsInstallation: 2003Description: The hands cast in a handshake symbolize the city's "can do" spirit and the cooperation between public and private entities. The sculpture honors the late community leader Jim Wehrli.Title: The Spirit of the American DoughboyArtist: E. M. ViquesneyLocation: North Avenue between Center and Ellsworth streetsInstallation: 2003Description: The restored E. M. Viquesney doughboy sculpture originally was erected by American Legion Post 43 to honor those from Naperville who served in World War I.Title: Freedom Isn't FreeArtist: Bill CooperLocation: The Riverwalk between Eagle and Webster streetsInstallation: 2003Description: The Sept. 11 memorial monument honors Cmdr. Dan Shanower, a Naperville native who died in the attack on the Pentagon, as well as the 3,000 peopl who died in the attacks in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C.Title: Symbiotic SojournArtist: Jeff AdamsLocation: Off Van Buren Avenue in the archway of Main Street PromenadeInstallation: 2003Description: The relief dedicated to recycling and conservation pays tribute to Barbara Ashley Sielaff, who founded the Naperville Area Recycling Center in 1973.Title: The Great ConcertoArtist: Barton GundersonLocation: Community Concert Center in Central ParkInstallation: 2005Description: The Art Deco mural honoring the Naperville Municipal Band and its fans incorporates familiar faces, historic band shells and the connection music creates between performers and the audience.Title: Two in a MillionArtist: Jeff AdamsLocation: Fredenhagen Park on Washington Street between Chicago and Aurora avenuesInstallation: 2005Description: Walter and Grace Fredenhagen owned the Prince Castles and Cock Robin ice cream shops in downtown Naperville. Their sculpture overlooks the park now on the site of their ice cream factory and shop.Title: The Way We WereArtist: Marianne Lisson-Kuhn and Lisa Netzley HopkinsLocation: Benton Avenue and Washington StreetInstallation: 2005Description: The mural looks back at the Naperville businesses populating downtown in the 1960s.Title: Riverwalk VisionariesArtist: Kathleen Farrell Location: Riverwalk between Main and Webster streetsInstallation: 2006Description: The sculpture depicts Chet Rybicki and Jim Moser, two driving forces behind the Riverwalk, looking out over the embodiment of the vision. Together, Rybicki, who was mayor in 1979 when the idea took shape, and Moser, a businessman who helped develop the plan, represent the public-private partnership in the city.Title: Volunteers WelcomeArtist: Jennifer Richmond and Ernest ClaycombLocation: Washington Street south of Benton AvenueInstallation: 2006Description: Positioned at the northern gateway to downtown Naperville, the mural depicts seven service clubs welcoming everyone to the community and showcases the central role volunteerism plays in Naperville.Title: Veterans ValorArtist: Shirley McWorter-MossLocation: Washington Street at Van Buren AvenueInstallation: 2006Description: In tribute to the bravery and patriotism of veterans, the sculpture shows five men who grew up Naperville, attended Naperville High School and served in various branches of the armed forces during World War II. Each returned home with military honors.Title: Parting the PrairieArtist: Christine RojekLocation: DuPage Children's Museum, 301 N. Washington St.Installation: 2006Description: The interactive sculpture celebrates the city's railroad heritage, echoes the trains passing on the tracks nearby and intrigues children with its motion as they watch it move in the breeze.Title: Officer FriendlyArtist: Sarah FurstLocation: Washington Street near Douglas AvenueInstallation: 2006Description: During his years on the police force, Mayor George Pradel served as Naperville's first "Officer Friendly," teaching children about safety. His lessons gave rise to the community's Safety Town.A sculpture of Mayor George Pradel, the city's first Officer Friendly.Title: Cat in the HatArtist: Leo RijnLocation: Nichols Library, Jefferson Avenue at Eagle StreetInstallation: 2007Description: The sculpture outside Nichols Library is one of nine of Dr. Seuss' first book character that were commissioned to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the book and is the only one available to the public.Title: Green Eggs and HamArtist: Leo RijnLocation: 95th Street Library, 3015 Cedar Glade DriveInstallation: 2009Description: The sculpture of Dr. Seuss' Sam-I-Am character holding a platter of green eggs and ham celebrates the third largest-selling book in the English language.Title: Mr. And Mrs. NapervilleArtist: Barton GundersonLocation: Centennial Park at foot of CarillonInstallation: 2009Description: Playing off the idea of Naperville being a work in progress, the sculpture depicts Margaret and Harold Moser, who played vital roles in the growth and development of Naperville during the 20th century.Title: World's Greatest ArtistsArtist: Mike Venezia and Marianne Lisson Kuhn Location: 5th Avenue and Center StreetInstallation: 2009Description: The mural on the Naperville Art League's building depicts 36 famous artists working on their well-known pieces.Title: Dick TracyArtist: Dick LocherLocation: Riverwalk at Water StreetInstallation: 2010Description: Longtime Naperville resident Dick Locher created this bronze sculpture of Dick Tracy, the cartoon detective he's drawn since 1983, as a tribute to Naperville's law enforcement community.True11662000River ReveriesDaily Herald File PhotoTrue <div class="infoBox"><h1>More Coverage</h1><div class="infoBoxContent"><div class="infoArea"><h2>Stories</h2><ul class="links"><li><a href="/story/?id=396593">Algonquin solicits loans of paintings for exhibit<span class="date">[07/28/10]</span></a></li></ul></div></div></div>