Public Art League News

"Sprout" Takes Root in Hessel Park

noreply@blogger.com (Public Art League) — Fri, 07 Jan 2022 16:22:00 +0000

Sprout by Ben Pierce

The Public Art League is pleased to announce the purchase of Sprout! The sculpture is installed in the southwest corner of Hessel Park (along the walking trail) in Champaign and our purchase of the piece was made possible by a generous donation from James Barham and the Barham Benefit Group.

Sprout is the creation of artist Ben Pierce of Cape Girardeau, Mo. The nine foot-tall sculpture is constructed of powder coated, welded steel with a powder coated sparkle clear coat. Of the piece, the artist states that Sprout was: "Inspired by nature and growth of a young sprout, uncurling from its seed casing and stretching towards the sun."

Please visit Hessel Park to enjoy Sprout. A big thanks to James Barham and the Barham Benefit Group for making the purchase of the sculpture possible.

"Beacon" Will Continue To Shine In Downtown Champaign

noreply@blogger.com (Public Art League) — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 17:44:00 +0000

Beacon by Michael Collins

The Public Art League is pleased to announce the purchase of Beacon, a sculpture designed and created by local artist Michael Collins (Homer, IL). The piece is installed in the roundabout area at Chestnut and Main Streets in downtown Champaign (its home since 2016). The ownership of The Old Depot, home to Black Dog Smoke & Ale House, donated to the Public Art League to make it possible for us to purchase the piece.

Beacon is constructed of steel, aluminum and black locust wood. The piece contains LED lighting and the sculpture illuminates when the street lights turn on at night.

Of Beacon, the artist states: "Beacon is a work that brings together a history of architectural references, geometric patterns, and a broad range of materials as a sort of architectural streetlight, or a minature urban lighthouse. This piece serves to perform as a focal point for people to meet at, have a conversation around, or to simply enjoy its form, anchoring its location as a point of reference. There is a duality that exists between the range of visual texture seen in the daytime, from the reflectivity of the faceted aluminum panels, to the natural tones of the wood, contrasted in the nighttime by the inner glow from diffused lighting, the silhouetted geometric patterns, and the cast shadows around its base. Besides being a focal point in the daylight, I wanted this work to charge the evening time and activate a space with a mellow glow, akin to a chiminea."

Thank you to the owners of The Old Depot for making the purchase of Beacon possible! Please visit and enjoy Beacon, day or night, in downtown Champaign.

It's Just "Beneath The Surface" In Downtown Champaign

noreply@blogger.com (Public Art League) — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 21:17:00 +0000

Beneath the Surface by Gregory Stallmeyer

The Public Art League is proud to welcome Beneath The Surface by local artist Gregory Stallmeyer (Monticello) to the roundabout at Main and Chestnut in downtown Champaign. The piece was selected from the 2019 Call to Artists and was originally installed in downtown Monticello with assistance from the Monticello Area Arts Council. At the end of the intial lease, the sculpture was moved to the downtown Champaign roundabout with sponsorship provided by The Station (former train station that currently houses Dandelion, Exile on Main St., Maize and others).

The Sculpture is constructed from steel, aluminum, resin and automotive urethane. Of Beneath the Surface, the artist states: Beneath the Surface was created during a time of introspection. Carving away at ones outer shell to reveal what is on the inside. By removing what is unnecessary we can find that which is required to fuel our creativity and contentment."

Please join us in welcoming Beneath the Surface to downtown Champaign.

Beneath the Surface with Artist, Gregory Stallmeyer

Photos by Kelly White of 40North/88West

"Twirling Smile Flower" Installed In Mattis Park

noreply@blogger.com (Public Art League) — Thu, 30 Sep 2021 20:19:00 +0000

Twirling Smile Flower by Don Lawler

The Public Art League proudly welcomes Twirling Smile Flower by Don Lawler (Stephensport, KY) to Mattis Park in Champaign. The sculpture was created in 2020 and carved from Indiana limestone. The piece is installed near the walking trail on the northwest side of the lake.

Residents of the area should be familiar with Don Lawler's work as he has exhibited a number of sculpures through our program. At present, two of the sculptor's other works have been purchased through donations and are installed. Ripples can be found in One Main Plaza and A New Leaf is installed in the Mabery Gelvin Botanical Gardens at the Lake of Woods Forest Preserve.

Twirling Smile Flower was purchased by the Public Art League with a donation from Beth and Tod Satterthwaite. Once PAL acquired the sculpture, the piece was donated to the Champaign Park District for installation in Mattis Park. Beth and Tod have been fantastic supporters of the Public Art League program. They have donated to purchase three sculptures. In addition to Twirling Smile Flower, they donated to purchase Startled by Tim Summerville (installed in Scott Park in 2017) and Meshed by Dean Allen Bloedorn (installed in the Illinois terminal in 2017).

Thank you to Beth and Tod for their generous support of public art in our community.

Getting "Lost In Space" in Downtown Champaign

noreply@blogger.com (Public Art League) — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 16:45:00 +0000

Lost In Space

by Judd Nelson (Wayzata, MN)

The Public Art League welcomes Lost In Space by artist Judd Nelson (Wayzata, MN) to Main Street in downtown Champaign.

The sculpture was created in 2015 and depicts three young women on cell phones. The piece is constructed of heavy plate steel that is coated in transparent stains.

Of Lost In Space, the artist states: "The 3 teenage girls are typical of what I see happening in public places every day and everywhere. It doesn’t matter what age or gender, when people gather in groups they tend to isolate themselves and zone into their smartphones. This sculpture is a first in a series of life size figures that will be bolted to the sidewalks and bus stops throughout America.

An artist should create artwork that reflects our view of the world and the people that are living here in 2015. This sculpture is making a strong statement of what I see and is a reflection on our society. My sculptures are life size and the imagery is modern yet representational. The style is fluid and spontaneous, intent upon capturing movement and natural gestures that are typical of that person. I have laser cut heavy plate steel and welded them together to form a 3 sided piece. My goal is to have the viewer’s recognize and feel the alienation of people from one another."

The sculpture is the 92nd piece that has been installed through the Public Art League program. A big thanks to Jos. Kuhn & Co. for the sponsorship of this piece.

"What it the Good?" Brings Vibrant Colors to the Boneyard Crossing

noreply@blogger.com (Public Art League) — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 22:23:00 +0000

What is the Good?

by Gregory Stallmeyer

(Monticello, IL)

The Public Art League is proud to welcome What is the Good? by local artist Gregory Stallmeyer to the Boneyard Crossing, near The Station Theater, in Urbana. This amazing piece was installed in advance of the 2021 Boneyard Arts Festival and will be enjoyed throughout the event weekend and beyond.

What is the Good? stands 9' tall and is 7.5' wide. The sculpture was created using steel, plexiglass, resin and automotive paint. The artist states that the sculpture was inspired by a 2013 philosophical radio drama titled "Darkside."

The installation was made possible through collaboration with the Urbana Arts and Culture Program who sponsored and provided installation assistance. A big thanks to the Urbana Arts and Culture Program for making the display of What is the Good? possible!

In addition to What is the Good?, PAL also worked with Greg to install Beneath the Surface in 2019. Beneath the Surface is currently installed in Monticello thanks to a collaboration between PAL and the Monticello Area Arts Council.

What is the Good? represents the 91st sculpture installed in the community through the Public Art League program.

"The Sun King" Maintains Its Throne on the Kickapoo Trail

noreply@blogger.com (Public Art League) — Tue, 09 Mar 2021 17:15:00 +0000

The Sun King by Steven Maeck

We are happy to share that The Sun King by Steven Maeck (Decorah, IA) has been purchased by the Forest Preserve Friends Foundation and will have a long-term home on the Kickapoo Trail in Urbana.

The artist states: "Since 2002, I have been designing and fabricating sculptural work either fully or partially composed of iron and steel. The focus of my recent work has been almost exclusively in the utilization of industrial detritus which I alter and/or recombine in such a manner as to create work that is not only resonant and original but manifests the aura of having been created from base raw material, i.e., cast bronze. Of course there is, and should be, at least a subliminal sense of the processed heritage of the metal."

We would like to thank the Champaign County Forest Preserve District and its donors for adding to the community through public art!

PAL President's Letter - 2020

noreply@blogger.com (Public Art League) — Thu, 31 Dec 2020 18:01:00 +0000

Flamenco Revisited at Porter Park, Champaign

Artist: Ruth Aizuss Migdal. Photo: Della Perrone

Dear Friend of the Public Art League,

To say 2020 was a challenging year is an understatement. So many disruptions and changes to our urban lifestyle and experience!

Although the Public Art League was compelled to take a low-profile like so many others in the community, we were able to continue advancing the PAL mission with the installation of two new sculptures located in the Carle at The Fields, and, the renewal of leases for other existing sculptures.

Sadly, the strong winds of change were too much for Flamenco Revisited at Porter Family Park in Champaign. Damage to the sculpture required returning it to the artist thus ending its run in a prominent corner of southwest Champaign.

As we emerge from these turbulent times, the power of the arts to lift our spirits and spark new beginnings has never been more potent. And so it is with excitement that I announce a new partnership between 40 North and the Public Art League.

Beginning in 2021, 40 North will provide financial and operational governance for the Public Art League. I believe combining these operational synergies under 40 North’s Board of Directors will continue advancing public art in our community. This collaboration will prove true the adage that we are stronger together than when we are apart.

I am grateful for all the support you have given over these past eleven years. And I hope you are excited for the years ahead. I know that with your continued support, together, PAL and 40 North will put art on every corner!

Very truly yours,

David B. Wilcoxen, President

Public Art League

"The Feather" Installed at Carle at the Fields

noreply@blogger.com (Public Art League) — Sun, 01 Nov 2020 15:42:00 +0000

Pluma Sculptura (a.k.a.The Feather) by Kirk Seese

On a windy, Sunday morning, artist Kirk Seese (Lutherville, MD) installed Pluma Sculptura (a.k.a. The Feather ) on the Carle at the Fields trail in Champaign. This is the second sculpture installed at the Carle at the Fields development this year.

Of Pluma Sculptura, the artist states: "I wanted to create something that was not based in reality, had no reference point and seemed to come from a different planet. Something unique. Something that came from inside. The process of creating the swirling color fields became a therapeutic exercise for me. The organic motions of the blended hues contained by the stark, black, geometric framework should be visually unnerving, but they’re not. Instead they complement each other. Viewers say it reminds them of stained glass, and even ask me if the panels are transparent, which they are not. With such a high gloss from the epoxy resin outer coating, they do offer a mirror like reflection of the world around them, making it difficult to distinguish between what is there, and what is reflection."

Pluma Sculptura stands 10’ tall and is constructed if steel, ¾” marine grade, CNC cut MDO board, UV inks and epoxy resin.

Take a walk around the Carle at the Fields trail (Staley & Curtis Roads) in Southwest Champaign to enjoy The Feather! A big thanks to Carle for their site sponsorship of two sculptures this year!

"Stargazer" is a Vision at Carle at the Fields

noreply@blogger.com (Public Art League) — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 20:28:00 +0000

Stargazer with Artist Ray Katz

The Public Art League proudly welcomes Stargazer by artist Ray Katz (Pontiac, MI) to Carle at the Fields in Southwest Champaign. The sculpture is installed at the corner of Fields South and Healthcare Drive.

Stargazer is 8.5’ tall and 8.5’ wide, weighs 1,000 lbs. and is made of brushed aluminum.

Of Stargazer, the artist states: Metal is best suited for my work because if its strength, malleability and inherent beauty. I combine geometric and organic elements to create compositions that convey kinetic energy implied in my work. I use the abstract manipulation of form and shape in space to create a visual balance, using rhythm, action and movement. Brushed aluminum has become a prominent aspect of my recent work. The shades of aluminum integrate and emphasize the structural organization of the elements in my compositions.

The Public Art League thanks Carle for its Site Sponsorship and its support of public art in our community.

Artist Ray Katz with Stargazer

"Quarter Moon" Finds New Home

noreply@blogger.com (Public Art League) — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 22:26:00 +0000

Quarter Moon by Carl Billingsley

Quarter Moon by Carl Billingsley (Greensboro, NC) has found a new home on Park Street (near Randolph St.) in downtown Champaign. The sculpture was formerly installed on Main Street (near Market Street). The sculpture was relocated to make way for another sculpture at that site, and to bring some new artwork back to the Park Street location.

The artist states: "Quarter Moon is an exploration of a vertical motif. It is constructed of standard industrial steel shapes such as I-Beams, and various sizes of pipe that are welded and mechanically attached. The technique that I employed in constructing Quarter Moon is also industrial and continues the tradition of 19th century 'constructivists' who introduced industrial materials and techniques into 'fine art.' 'Economy of means' and 'the hand of the artist' are both expressive aspects of the sculpture that any viewer can see and readily understand. Quarter Moon is a unique and somewhat mysterious object that enlivens the public space and references the natural world symbolically by employing universal design elements such as color, planes, lines and circles in a sort of poetry of object and space."

We hope you enjoy Quarter Moon in its new home!

2020 Public Art League Finalists

noreply@blogger.com (Public Art League) — Tue, 01 Sep 2020 21:42:00 +0000

The Public Art League is pleased to share the sculptures selected as finalists from the 2020 Call to Artists. We had a number of wonderful pieces of public sculpture submitted as entries this year and we thank all of the artists who submitted their works for potential installation in the Champaign-Urbana area.

The Public Art League is currently seeking sponsors to help bring these sculptures to the Champaign-Urbana area. Please see our Sponsors Page for sponsorship information. If you have any questions regarding sponsoring a piece, please contact us.

Please see this year’s finalists below:

Street Musician by Tim Summerville

(St. Joseph, IL)

Of Street Musician, the artist states: "Street Musician is a fun, whimsical sculpture that enjoys being photographed with his human friends while they play imaginary instruments.”

The sculpture stands 7.5’ tall and is constructed of welded steel with a hot dipped zinc (rustproof) coating.

Osci118 by Nicole Beck (Chicago, IL)

The artist states that Osci118 refers to an infinite wave of light oscillating between spectrums in equilibrium. It also abstracts the phenomenon of many continuous systems naturally occurring.

Osci118 is 8’ tall and 8’ deep and is constructed of stainless steel, painted steel and mosaic.

Letting Go by Judd Nelson (Wayzata, MN)

Of Letting Go, the artist states: "The act of letting go is essential to our life process and in getting in touch with our spirituality. Nothing lasts. And since change is inevitable and we all have things that we are going through, whether they are physical, emotional or simply changes in our life. In order to move forward and get in touch with our true spiritual self, we must let go of that which binds us. Through the acts of forgiveness and gratitude we are able to let go.

This young woman represents your mind and thoughts. Worries and negative thoughts are being released which will make way for a fresh positive mindset. The bird represents our negative thoughts and feelings which are being released to God for transmutation."

Letting Go is 7’ tall and is constructed of hot forged steel.

Pluma Sculptura (a.k.a. The Feather) by Kirk Seese (Lutherville, MD)

***LEASED***

Pluma Sculptura stands 10’ tall and is constructed if steel, ¾” marine grade, CNC cut MDO board, UV inks and epoxy resin.

Stargazer by Ray Katz (Pontiac, MI)

***LEASED***

Of Stargazer, the artist states: "Metal is best suited for my work because if its strength, malleability and inherent beauty. I combine geometric and organic elements to create compositions that convey kinetic energy implied in my work. I use the abstract manipulation of form and shape in space to create a visual balance, using rhythm, action and movement. Brushed aluminum has become a prominent aspect of my recent work. The shades of aluminum integrate and emphasize the structural organization of the elements in my compositions."

Stargazer is 8.5’ tall and 8.5’ wide, weighs 1,000 lbs. and is made of brushed aluminum.

Winter and Spring by Mark Krucke (Wilmington, NC)

Of Winter and Spring, the artist states: "This piece was an exploration of direction and balance. It plays with the idea of bright spring colors and the last leaf on a tree before winter sets in. To me, these times of the year signal letting go and rebirth, they are the beginning and the end."

Winter and Spring stands 7’ tall and is made of bronze and stainless steel painted with oil-based paint.

Twirling Smile Flower by Don Lawler (Stephensport, KY)

***PURCHASED***

Of Twirling Smile Flower, the artist states: “This whimsical creation is a functional sculpture that was made to put a smile on people’s faces. It is inspired by nature, but will look just as great in an urban environment. It is the artist’s desire that people will discover the piece and interact with it. It will likely become the source of many social media shares with endless photo opportunities.

Twirling Smile Flower is 35” tall, 45” wide and is made of Indiana limestone.

What is the Good? by Gregory Stallmeyer (Monticello, IL)

The artist states that What is the Good? was inspired by Darkside, a 2013 philosophical radio drama.

The sculpture stands 9’ tall, 7.5’ wide and is made of steel, plexiglass with resin and automotive paint.

Courage Under Fire by Shawn Morin (Portage, OH)

Of Courage Under Fire, the artist states: “The measure of a man is not determined by the number of times he falls, but the number of times he rises.”

The sculpture stands 9’ tall, is 5’ wide and 6’ deep. It is constructed of steel, painted with enamel paint and weighs 550 lbs.

Lost In Space by Judd Nelson

(Wayzata, MN)

***LEASED***

Of Lost In Space, the artist states: “The 3 teenage girls are typical of what I see happening in public places every day and everywhere. It doesn’t matter what age or gender, when people gather in groups they tend to isolate themselves and zone into their smartphones…”

“…My sculptures are life size and the imagery is modern yet representational. The style is fluid and spontaneous, intent upon capturing movement and natural gestures that are typical of that person…”

Lost In Space stands 5’6” tall and is made of ¼” heavy plate steel, laser cut and finished with transparent stains.

Point of Reference by Tim Jorgensen and Carissa Heinrichs

(Cedar Falls, IA)

From the artists, the concept of Point of Reference involves three nearly identical sculptures (of which one could potentially come to the Champaign-Urbana area). The artists state: “The form of these sculptures resemble a plumb bob, an object used to find a reference point of a vertical line, or exactly vertical. The forms themselves are created using stainless steel, this allows the sculpture to remain sustainable to the elements of the weather. Sheets of copper adorn the surface of the sculpture. These copper sheets have aspects of topography etched into the surface.”

Further, the artists state: “Point of Reference is a series of three large plumb bobs. With intentions of separating them as far apart from each other, they function to triangulate a region as a reference point of individual perceptions. This expansive area of known and often overseen places encompasses the presence of many different people. The broken cartography that adorn the surfaces of the plumb bobs elude to the idea of the disjointed interpretations of one another’s perspective. Through the installation of these sculptures, a connection is made that represents a joined perspective. One that not only includes the respective location of the other sculptures, but also the area that resides between them.”

Point of Reference stands 8’ tall and is made of stainless steel and copper.

Spirited by Tim Summerville

(St. Joseph, IL)

Of the creation of Spirited, the artist states: “Each steel rod was heated, hand formed and welded in place using my artistic eye as a guide. Special attention was given to muscle tone and shape.”

Spirited is constructed of hot formed steel and welded 3/8” steel rod.

If you would be interested in becoming a sponsor of the Public Art League and would like to bring one of these fantastic sculptures to the community, please visit our Sponsor Page. If you have any questions, please contact us.

The Leaves Are Falling...But Art Is Still Sprouting

noreply@blogger.com (Public Art League) — Thu, 07 Nov 2019 20:42:00 +0000

Sprout

by Ben Pierce (Cape Girardeau, MO)

The Public Art League welcomes Sprout by Ben Pierce of Cape Girardeau, Missouri to Hessel Park in Champaign. The sculpture is located along the trail on the southwest side of the park.

Sprout stands 9' tall and is made from steel which has been powder coated. Of Sprout, the artist states: "Inspired by nature and growth of a young sprout, uncurling from its seed casing and stretching towards the sun."

Sprout is the newest of Ben Pierce's sculptures to be featured in the area. Until recently, another of Pierce's sculptures, Hole in My Heart, was installed in the northwest corner of Hessel Park. Keep It Together, by Pierce, was also installed along University Avenue in front of the Urbana Park District Headquarters. In addition, two of the artist's pieces have been purchased privately through the PAL program. Separated Together was purchased by the University of Illinois Research Park and, more recently, Triumph was purchased by M2 on Neil, LLC.

A big thanks to Barham Benefit Group for the site sponsorship for Sprout in Hessel Park. Also, a thanks goes out to the work of the Champaign Park District for the creation of the sculpture pad and for their help with the installation.

Sprout with Artist, Ben Pierce

"Beneath the Surface" Installed in Monticello

noreply@blogger.com (Public Art League) — Fri, 13 Sep 2019 19:56:00 +0000

Beneath the Surface by Gregory Stallmeyer

Sculpture being unveiled at a ceremony in Monticello, IL (9/12/19)

Photo by the Piatt County Journal-Republican

The Public Art League proudly welcomes Beneath the Surface by local artist, Gregory Stallmeyer, to Monticello, IL. The installation marks the first collaboration between the Public Art League and the Monticello Area Arts Council.

Beneath the Surface is constructed from aluminum, steel, resin and automotive urethane.

The artist states:

"Beneath the Surface was created during a time of introspection. Carving away at ones outer shell to reveal what is on the inside. By removing what is unnecessary we can find that which is required to fuel our creativity and contentment."

A big thanks to the Monticello Area Arts Council, Christie Clinic and all of the public art supporters who made this installation possible.

Beneath the Surface with Gregory Stallmeyer

Monticello installation ceremony - 9/12/19

"The Feather" Lands in Downtown Champaign

noreply@blogger.com (Public Art League) — Sat, 07 Sep 2019 01:51:00 +0000

Artist Kirk Seese with The Feather

The Public Art League is proud to welcome The Feather by artist Kirk Seese (Lutherville, MD) to downtown Champaign. The piece is installed in the concrete planter within the roundabout on Main and Chestnut Streets. The Feather stands 10 feet tall and is made from steel and MDO board coated with a clear epoxy resin.

The artist states: "The inspiration for The Feather is to offer the public the beauty of stained glass, but in a sturdy, weatherproof and shatterproof format. An homage to nature is at its core. It really sprung forth from tooling around in Photoshop and creating something that I thought was aesthetically pleasing. So much of my time is spent designing either murals or themed climbing walls for others, this exercise was a complete separation from anything I knew before, and I like it!"

A big thanks to "The Station" (the former train station building housing Maize, Exile on Main, Dandelion and others) for the sponsorship of this piece.

The Feather by Kirk Seese

"The Sun King" Shines on the Kickapoo Trail

noreply@blogger.com (Public Art League) — Fri, 23 Aug 2019 21:40:00 +0000

The Sun King

with artist, Steven Maeck

The Public Art League welcomes The Sun King by Steven Maeck (Decorah, Iowa) to the Kickapoo Bike Trail in Urbana. The Sun King stands 14.5 feet tall and is made of welded steel.

From the artist:

"Since 2002, I have been designing and fabricating sculptural work either fully or partially composed of iron and steel. The focus of my recent work has been almost exclusively in the utilization of industrial detritus which I alter and/or recombine in such a manner as to create work that is not only resonant and original, but manifests the aura of having been created from base raw material, i.e. cast bronze. Of course there is, and should be, at least a subliminal sense of the processed heritage of the metal."

Thank you to the Forest Preserve Friends Foundation for sponsoring this piece and to the Champaign County Forest Preserve District for coordinating its installation.

The Sun King

by Steven Maeck

"A New Leaf" Dedication in The Botanical Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Public Art League) — Wed, 21 Aug 2019 16:25:00 +0000

Beauty Preserved

The Waterfall Unveiling

The Champaign County Forest Preserve invites you to come out and see the new waterfall and pond at the Mabery Gelving Botanical Garden at Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve. The event will also reveal "A New Leaf" by Don Lawler, a gift through the Public Art League from Rosann Gelvin Noel.

Thursday, September 12, 2019

5:30-7:30 p.m.

Dedication Ceremony at 6:30 p.m.

Hors d'oveuvres, music, and cash bar

Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden

950 N. Lombard

Mahomet, Illinois 61853

RSVP by Tuesday, September 3 to 217-586-3360 or hq@ccfpd.org

A New Leaf

by Don Lawler

"A New Leaf" Gets a New Home

noreply@blogger.com (Public Art League) — Sat, 03 Aug 2019 22:55:00 +0000

A New Leaf

by Don Lawler (Stephensport, KY)

The Public Art League is proud to share the news that A New Leaf (by artist, Don Lawler) has been purchased and installed at the Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden at the Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve. The sculpture was purchased by the Forest Preserve Friends Foundation with a gift from Rosann Gelvin Noel and placed in the garden.

The sculpture was originally leased by the Public Art League in 2016 with the help of a site sponsorship by the City of Urbana. The piece was displayed near the parking area at the corner of Race and Water Streets in Urbana until it was relocated to its new home in the botanical garden.

Rosann Gelvin Noel was a fan of Don Lawler's work. In addition to A New Leaf, the Noel family was the site sponsor of another of Lawler's works (Ripples) in 2012. The Public Art League now owns Ripples which you can find displayed in One Main Plaza in Downtown Champaign.

Pay a visit to the Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden (near the Museum of the Grand Prairie) in the Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve to enjoy this beautiful piece.

A New Leaf

by Don Lawler

Music In The Air at West Side Park

noreply@blogger.com (Public Art League) — Mon, 20 May 2019 21:52:00 +0000

Children of all ages play on the xylophones installed at West Side Park in Champaign

It was a nice, warm afternoon on Saturday, May 18 for the dedication of the playground and new musical instruments at West Side Park. Children of all ages immediately picked up mallets and performed for the crowd on hand. The installation was the result of donations from the Rotary Club of Champaign, Rotary District 6490, the Robeson Family Benefit Fund, the Public Art League and Rotarian Scott Anderson Jr., in collaboration with the Champaign Park District.

In addition to the new instruments, West Side Park currently features two sculptures brought in through the Public Art League's program. Double Dutch - A Jump For Joy (Garry R. Bibbs) sits on the east side of the park and was initially leased in 2010. The sculpture was later purchased by the Champaign Parks Foundation. On the south side of the park, the bright orange Uppercutted (Ted Sitting Crow Garner) is installed. The sculpture, installed in 2013, is currently on lease from the artist.

Please stop by and enjoy West Side Park. It truly is a beautiful place!

Example of the future plaque recognizing those contributing to the installation of the new instruments

"Triumph" Finds a Home in Downtown Champaign

noreply@blogger.com (Public Art League) — Mon, 22 Apr 2019 21:30:00 +0000

Triumph

by Benjamin Pierce

Photo by Della Perrone

The Public Art League is proud to announce the purchase of Triumph by M2 on Neil, LLC. The piece, created by Benjamin Pierce of Cape Girardeau, MO, is currently installed in the breezeway of the M2 building in downtown Champaign.

From the beginning of the Public Art League's sculpture program, artwork has been installed in numerous locations around the downtown buildings known as One Main and M2. Dave Jones, President and CEO of One Main Development, LLC states: "On behalf of the ownership group, M2 on Neil, LLC is pleased to have completed the purchase of Triumph for permanent public display at the entrance to the M2 building at 301 N Neil Street in Downtown Champaign. We appreciate public art and believe in the mission to promote creativity and improve the community aesthetic. For me, this piece elicits a simultaneous response of focused vision and a new way to look at the same things. The installation was previously sponsored by Cody Sokolski & Marci Dodds, and One Main Development, until purchased by M2 on Neil in 2019."

When originally leased and installed in 2015, the artist (Benjamin Pierce) stated: "The center oculus will capture space and create a window for the viewer to look through. We live in a society that has forgot how to enjoy our surroundings, with our faces always in a laptop or smart phone it’s difficult to be able to stop and smell roses. My hope for this work is to capture someone’s attentions long enough for them to see something unexpected through my sculpture."

A big thank you to M2 on Neil, LLC for their continued support of public art by the purchase of this piece!

Public Art League, Kentucky Derby, Cinco de Mayo, FUN!

noreply@blogger.com (Public Art League) — Mon, 01 Apr 2019 13:40:00 +0000

Cinco De Derby!

What better way to kick off the Kentucky Derby and Cinco de Mayo weekend than supporting your local Public Art League? Stop by to taste wine, beer, and of course Bourbon and Tequila. Appetizers included. Can it get any better than that?
And all for a great cause.

Thursday, May 2

Art Mart
1705 S. Prospect Ave, Champaign, IL 61821

$20.00 per person at the door
Come any time between 5:00 - 7:00 pm

Races Installed on Race Street

noreply@blogger.com (Public Art League) — Fri, 07 Dec 2018 17:03:00 +0000

Races by Bobby Joe Scribner

The City of Urbana welcomed Races by Bobby Joe Scribner (Woodstock, IL) to the corner of Race and Green Streets in Urbana. According to the artist, the sculpture represents abstract figures connected to one another as they strive forward.

The sculpture is the final installation of the year from the Public Art League's 2018 call to artists.
It was generously sponsored by the City of Urbana through its public arts program.

Installation Celebration 2018!

noreply@blogger.com (Public Art League) — Mon, 26 Nov 2018 19:57:00 +0000

You are invited to our annual Installation Celebration. On the evening of December 4, 2018, we will be celebrating the installation of several new sculptures in the Champaign-Urbana area over the past year. Please join us for a night of drink, food and friends of the Public Art League!

Kwami by Ray Katz

Installed in Hessel Park, Champaign

Installation Celebration

Celebrating new sculptures and their sponsors

Appetizers and cash bar available

Tuesday, December 4

5:30pm - 7:30pm

Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano

2235 S. Neil St., Champaign

Please RSVP by December 1 to: Celebration RSVP

Six New Sculptures Welcomed This Fall!

noreply@blogger.com (Public Art League) — Sun, 25 Nov 2018 16:38:00 +0000

The Champaign, Urbana and Monticello-area welcomed six new sculptures this fall (with more to come before the end of the year). The sculptures were brought to the community through the Public Art League program and made possible through the generous support of the program's sponsors.

Urbana Public Arts Coordinator, Rachel Storm, presents

Ice Pops by artist, Craig Gray

Ice Pops, by artist Craig Gray (Key West, Florida), was installed in the green space at Griggs and Race Streets (near the Boneyard Creek) in Urbana. Gray states that the piece was inspired by "Roadside Americana." "Icons of the national landscape today are pushed away and replaced by branding from national chains."

The Urbana Public Arts Program (through the City of Urbana) coordinated a ribbon cutting ceremony with comments from Urbana Mayor, Diane Marlin. Many young art enthusiasts attended and were able to ask questions of the artist and Urbana Public Arts Coordinator, Rachel Storm. The installation of Ice Pops was made possible by a donation from long-time PAL supporter, MCDJ, LLC.

Urbana Mayor, Diane Marlin, cuts the ribbon

welcoming Ice Pops to the city

Downtown Champaign welcomed two sculptures: Tip-See by Craig Snyder (Plymouth, MN) and Stepping Out by Don Lawler (Stephensport, KY).

Tip-See by Craig Snyder (Plymouth, MN)

Tip-See is installed on the northeast corner of Market Street and University Ave. in front of Pour Bros. Taproom (who generously sponsored the installation of the piece). Artist Craig Snyder states: "As any kid will attest, it's monumentally fun to stack blocks as high as possible before they fall. It's also completely irresistible to not knock them over."

Don Lawler (Stephensport, KY) with Stepping Out

One Main Plaza welcomed Stepping Out in the landscaped island near Big Grove Tavern. The sculpture was carved from Indiana limestone by artist, Don Lawler. Of the piece, the artists describes it as "a female figure taking that tentative step into the unknown. The concept behind the sculpture is that we must put aside our fears and 'get our feet wet.'" The installation of Stepping Out was made possible through donations by the "Friends of PAL."

In addition to Stepping Out, a second piece by Don Lawler was also installed this fall. Daydreamer Bench was installed in a large commons area along a trail in the Trails of Brittany subdivision in southwest Champaign. Daydreamer Bench is described by Lawler as a functional sculpture showing a person floating away on the winds of thought." The installation of the sculpture was generously sponsored by MCDJ, LLC.

Daydreamer Bench by Don Lawler (Stephensport, KY)

It has been a great honor for the Public Art League to work with Robert Allerton Park in Monticello to install new sculptures on the historic grounds. This fall, Chicago Peace Tree, by Nicole Beck, was installed. The sculpture celebrates the endangered ash tree by representing an ash leaf and ash tree canopy. The sculpture can also be illuminated for viewing after dark. A big thanks to the "Friends of Allerton" for making this installation possible.

Chicago Peace Tree

with artist, Nicole Beck (Chicago, IL)

The Public Art League has also enjoyed a great partnership with the Champaign Park District. This fall, Kwami (by Ray Katz of Pontiac, MI) was installed in the northwest corner of Hessel Park. As is traditional of Katz's work, there are many interlocking elements within the piece. The installation was made possible through a donation by the Park District with the always-stellar support of the Park District's installation crew.

Kwami with artist, Ray Katz,

David Wilcoxen (PAL President) and The Champaign Park District Crew

The Public Art League looks forward to one more installation (Races by Bobby Joe Scribner) before the end of the year!

Public Art League, Kentucky Derby, Cinco de Mayo, FUN!

noreply@blogger.com (Public Art League) — Tue, 17 Apr 2018 00:18:00 +0000

Cinco De Derby!

A Fundraiser for The Public Art League

What better way to kick off the Kentucky Derby and Cinco de Mayo weekend than supporting your local Public Art League? Stop by to taste wine, beer, and of course Bourbon and Tequila. Appetizers included. Can it get any better than that? And all for a great cause.

Wednesday, May 2

5:00 - 7:00pm

Art Mart (1705 S. Prospect Ave., Champaign)

$10.00 per person purchased at the door

A portion of the purchase of the sampled libations goes to PAL

Come any time between 5:00 - 7:00 pm