Artist with local ties eyed for Cook Library artwork

An artist with Lake County ties is being considered for a high-profile commission at the new Cook Memorial Public Library in Libertyville, officials said Thursday.

Cook Memorial officials are eyeing a large expanse of wall space in what will be the children's department for a possible mural.

Maya Lowy, an artist who grew up in the Libertyville area but now lives out of state, has submitted plans for the painting, library board member Mary Ann Phillips said.

Lowy's concept consists of geometric shapes and animals.

"It's a whimsical, colorful, almost 'Alice-in-Wonderland' mural," Phillips said. "I think the kids will like it."

Lowy's initial design cost $3,000, and it was funded by an anonymous donation, Phillips said. To complete the mural would cost the district an additional $6,600, she said.

Officials may hold a fundraiser to come up with the cash for the painting.

"We're hoping we can secure funding for it," Phillips said.

The library board's development committee, which Phillips and board President Bonnie Quirke lead, discussed the artistic proposal this week. No final decisions were made.

The historic Cook Memorial library on Milwaukee Avenue in downtown Libertyville is being remodeled and expanded. At the same time, a 20,000-square-foot library is being built on Aspen Drive south of Route 60.

The projects are expected to cost $14 million.

The Vernon Hills library should be ready for patrons in June, officials have said. The Libertyville facility should open in October.