Arts Wide Open
Some people see only monotony in the flatness of our region. But for many creative types—painters, photographers, and poets alike—the far-as-your-eyes-can-see views have inspired unparalleled works of art.
For over 25 years, Openlands has partnered with gifted artists and premiere cultural institutions throughout northeastern Illinois to present a wide variety of innovative exhibitions, resulting in books and catalogues, site-specific installations, and even musical performances.
In September 2010, Openlands launched Arts Wide Open, an initiative that blends the visual and performing arts with our decades-long commitment to protect the natural and open spaces of northeastern Illinois and the surrounding region. Click on the links below to learn more about how we’ve furthered our mission through artistic endeavors:
Also, stay tuned for more exhibitions and performances that demonstrate how artists, musicians, and writers help showcase our native landscape, develop and beautify useable green spaces, and ultimately make our region a better, more livable place.
El Jardin de las Mariposas
A monarch caterpillar fashioned from old tires is one of many artworks that grace Pilsen’s El Jardin de las Mariposas, at 1835 South Carpenter Street. The 1998 sculpture by artists from ProsArts Studio represents the monarch butterflies that migrate between Chicago and Mexico every year, a route familiar to many of the community’s immigrant residents.
Openlands partnered with local members of the community to transform a littered vacant lot into a garden of native plants and indigenous art. Now professional performances and recitals by children from nearby Dvorak Park take place in a gazebo painted by Susana, using the style of reminiscent of Mexico’s Huichol tribe. The Garden Club of Evanston provided the start up funds for this successful urban greening project.
Revealing Chicago
Recognized as one of the world’s foremost landscape photographers, Terry Evans enjoyed the upward trajectory of a successful career. But then in 1994 her husband’s career moved them from Kansas to Chicago—instead of taking magnificent photos of rural landscapes from a small airplane, she was grounded in an urban setting. After being introduced to Openlands president and CEO, Jerry Adelman, however, she was airborne once again. Cornfields and prairies were replaced by suburban backyards and city lots, turning them into works of art that drew attention to important issues on the ground.
Junction Grove Mural
A central feature of the Heritage Station Community Garden is a colorful 15-by-40-foot spray paint and acrylic mural by local artist Rahmaan Barnes. Located at 549 West 63rd St., in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood, the mural is the result of a partnership between Openlands; Stay Environmentally Focused, a local group; and the Chicago Public Art Group.
Will Ackerman Benefit Concert
In September 2010, Openlands and Grammy Award-winning recording artist Will Ackerman teamed up for an exclusive evening of music at the Spertus Institue’s intimate Feinberg Theatre, in Chicago. The concert was Ackerman’s first Chicago appearance in more than 20 years.
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