BEST PUBLIC ART in IL
Resilience by Caroline Liu
5009 N Winthrop Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
Caroline Liu completed Resilience in August 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic, as a way to uplift spirits and represent the Asian American community. Liu drew inspiration from a Chinese myth that tells the story of a carp that becomes a dragon after overcoming a waterfall. Located next to the CTA’s Argyle Street Red Line Station, Resilience is full of vibrant colors and details that invite viewers to explore and find meaning in the artwork. By depicting resilient individuals and communities, Liu's art reminds us that no matter the obstacles we face, we have the inner resilience to rise above them and thrive.
Peoria Sculpture Walk
600 SW Washington St, Peoria, IL 61602
The Peoria Sculpture Walk is a biennial outdoor exhibit that showcases and sells the creations of local, regional, national, and international sculptors. The walk is a collaborative project between the Peoria Art Guild, the City of Peoria, and other community partners, and aims to enhance the cultural environment of Peoria and provide opportunities to educate the public. The sculptures are made of various materials, such as steel, bronze, wood, and resin, and reflect the themes and visions of the artists. The Sculpture Walk is also accompanied by an audio tour narrated by the artists themselves, which can be accessed through the Otocast app. With sculptures changing every two years, visitors to the historic Peoria warehouse district always have something new to explore.
Flyboy and Lil Mama by Hebru Brantley
1407 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
One of the most eye-catching murals in Chicago is the Flyboy and Lil Mama mural by Hebru Brantley on Milwaukee Ave. in Wicker Park. The mural depicts two of Brantley’s signature characters, Flyboy and Lil Mama, who are inspired by the Tuskegee Airmen and represent the imagination and resilience of African-American youth. The mural was created in 2017 as part of the Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce’s WPB Murals initiative, which aims to beautify the neighborhood and showcase local artists. Brantley is a Chicago-born artist who has gained international recognition for his work, which blends pop culture, comic books, history, and social commentary. The Flyboy and Lil Mama mural is one of his many public works that can be found across the city and beyond.
Mile of Murals
N Glenwood Ave &, W Estes Ave, Chicago, IL 60626
The Mile of Murals is a community-based public art project that showcases the diversity and creativity of the Rogers Park neighborhood in Chicago. The project aims to paint a full mile of murals along the CTA Red Line track from Estes Ave. to Pratt Boulevard. The murals explore various social and community issues, such as immigration, identity, environment, and peace. The Mile of Murals is a unique way to experience the vibrant culture and history of Rogers Park, one of the most diverse communities in Chicago.
Fox Lake Mural by Fernando Chamarelli
10 US-12, Fox Lake, IL 60020
This mural in Fox Lake was created in October 2019 by the Brazilian artist, Fernando Chamarelli, who has done murals all over the world, including South Korea, Dubai, and Azerbaijan. The mural was curated and facilitated by Beauty & Brawn Art Gallery, a Chicago-based gallery that promotes local and international artists, and is part of the Village of Fox Lake’s Summer Art Series, which showcases various forms of art and music in the community. Chamarelli is inspired by Brazilian popular culture and pre-Columbian indigenous art, which are reflected in his use of colors, shapes, and symbols. He said that he tries to create a visual language that connects the past and the present, the real and the imaginary, the natural and the supernatural.
Rockford Public Art Trail
102 N. Main St Rockford IL 61101
The Rockford Public Art Trail features artworks by local, national, and international artists, some of which were created during the CRE8IV festival, a community-building and arts-infused event launched in 2019. You can sign up for a free mobile passport that lets you explore more than 100 murals, sculptures, and memorials throughout the city and the county. The trail also showcases the history and culture of Rockford, such as the Rockmen Guardians sculpture that honors the city’s industrial heritage, and the Women’s Suffrage Centennial sculpture that celebrates the 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote.
West Street Sculpture Park
619 S. Dodge Street Galena, IL 61036
The West Street Sculpture Park is a unique attraction in Galena, Illinois, where visitors can enjoy the interplay of art and nature. The park features more than a dozen large, original, welded steel sculptures by local artist John Martinson, who has been creating them since 1976. The sculptures range from whimsical to contemplative, and some are interactive, such as a giant tinker toy and a musical instrument. The park is open from dawn to dusk year-round, and visitors can take a self-guided tour along the wooded paths, or watch the artist at work in his onsite studio. The park is a hidden gem for art lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Popeye Character Trail
10 Bridge Bypass Road, Chester IL 62233
If you are a fan of Popeye and his adventures, you will love the Popeye Character Trail in Chester, where E.C. Segar, the creator of Popeye, was born and raised. The trail features granite statues of Popeye and his friends from the Thimble Theatre comic strip, such as Olive Oyl, Wimpy, Bluto, and more. The statues are located at various spots around the town, and each one has a QR code that provides additional information about the character. The trail was started in 2006 and a new statue is added every year during the Popeye Picnic festival. The trail is a tribute to Segar’s legacy and a fun way to explore Chester’s history and culture.
