A "Visionairie" Piece at the MTD HQ

Visionairie with (L to R):  Dan Prutsman, Mike Chubb & Kirk Kirkland 

of the CUMTD and Shirley & Wayne Vaughn (artist)

We proudly welcome Visionairie by artist Wayne Vaughn (Graham, NC) to the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (CUMTD) Headquarters in Urbana.  Visionairie is 8.5' tall and weighs in the vicinity of 1,100 lbs,

The artist states: "As an exploration in shape and color, Visionairie is a presence in the landscape."  It certainly is!

A big thank you to the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (a very visionary group) for making this installation possible!

Visionarie

by Wayne Vaughn (Graham, NC)

Need a Pick-Me-Up? Visit "Affirmation Station"

"Affirmation Station"

L to R:  Artist Timothy C. Flood, Mary Howell and Katie Hicks (Champaign Park District),

and Ann & Greg Petry (Sponsors)

The Public Art League is proud to welcome "Affirmation Station" by artist Timothy C. Flood to the Douglass Park Community Center in Champaign.  Patterned after a pedestrian crosswalk sign, "Affirmation Station" displays two positive static messages with a scrolling display of around 125 positive messages.  In addition, the piece contains a push button which, when pushed, plays one of over 270 positive audio messages.

Timothy C. Flood states the "overall idea behind "Affirmation Station" is to place that little spark of positivity into someone's day that may help shape it to turn out great."  He further states: "Everyone could use a little pick-me-up once in a while and sometimes positive thoughts and statements are hard to come by.  'Affirmation Station' is designed to fill this need to the public at large.  Through static and dynamic lit text messages and an interactive audio element, viewers of the artwork can choose for themselves whether to receive the message at a distance or have a close encounter with the work."

A big thanks to Ann & Greg Petry for the sponsorship of the piece.  Also, a big thanks to the Champaign Park District for providing the site and assisting with installation.

"Affirmation Station"

with artist Timothy C. Flood

"Beacon" Shines in Downtown Champaign

"Beacon"

By Michael Collins (Homer, IL)

The Public Art League proudly welcomes "Beacon" by local artist Michael Collins to Downtown Champaign.  The sculpture is installed by the roundabout at Main and Chestnut Streets near the "Old Depot" (which houses Black Dog Barbecue).  Lights within "Beacon" illuminate at night.  The owners of the Old Depot also plan to add landscaping around the sculpture.  "Beacon" is constructed of steel, aluminum and black locust wood and stands over 8' tall.

The artist states that "Beacon" is a work that brings together a history of architectural references, geometric patterns, and a broad range of materials together as a sort of architectural streetlight, or miniature 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 wood, contrasted in the nighttime by the inner glow from diffused lighting, the silhouetted geometric patterns, and 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.

A big thank you to "The Old Depot" for their site sponsorship of this piece!

Artist Michael Collins

installing "Beacon"

"Three Red Houses" Arise in Urbana

Pauline Tannos (Urbana Public Arts Coordinator) and Artist Andrew Arvanetes

with "Three Red Houses"

The Public Art League is proud to welcome "Three Red Houses" by artist Andrew Arvanetes (Dekalb, IL) to the Boneyard Creek Crossing in Urbana.  The sculpture is installed on the east side of Race Street (near the corner of Race and Griggs) by the Station Theater.

The artist states: "I am fascinated with the common house form and how it symbolizes family, security and the "American Dream."  The color red is associated with danger and in this case refers to the uncertain times common to many in our society.  These two conflicting ideas are presented in a visually dynamic "bouquet" arrangement.

My sculptures have always been object-oriented and narrative in nature.  The interpretation of my work may not be exactly the same as the intended narrative.  More important, the viewer should be able to feel a connection based on their own personal experiences.  I attempt to achieve this connection with my audience by utilizing universal visual details.  The mechanical and architectural details utilized in my work have evolved into a personal language.  These details and symbols combine with the overall form to create a visual aesthetic.  Because of my formal approach to fabrication, rational functionality might be expected.  On the contrary, the combination of physical scale, personal references and visual details often results in a whimsical and absurd reality."

A big thanks to The City of Urbana and the Urbana Public Arts Program for making this installation a reality.

"Three Red Houses" by Andrew Arvanetes

Busting A Move: New Art in C-U (News Gazette)

A nice article by Melissa Merli in Sunday's News Gazette (11/6/16).  

You may access it through the link below:

Busting A Move: New Art in C-U

"Monolith" Found in Downtown Urbana

"Monolith" with artist Timothy Jorgensen

The Public Art League is proud to welcome "Monolith" by Timothy Jorgensen (Cedar Falls, IA) to downtown Urbana.  The sculpture was installed on the south side of the Champaign County Courthouse near the corner of Elm St. and Broadway Ave.

The artist states that "Monolith" was created with the idea of monolithic formations found throughout history.  As the shifts break the piece into sections it creates a sense of shifting time.  The piece creates the notion of a human figure to exemplify existence.  It encompasses the idea of time we as humans have spent on Earth as well as the trials we have experienced.

Thank you to the City of Urbana, the Urbana Public Arts Commission and Champaign County for their assistance in making this installation possible.

"Monolith" with artist Timothy Jorgensen, Pauline Tannos (Urbana Public Arts Coordinator) and Barbara Hedlund (Urbana Public Art Comissioner)

Meet Mr. Eggwards!

"Mr. Eggwards"

by Kimber Fiebiger (Minneapolis, MN)

A pleasure to make your acquaintance.  Please allow me to introduce myself.  I am Mr. Eggwards, Esq.  Please enjoy my stylish nature and attire.  I invite you to gather around and sit with me.  I am highly photogenic and certainly do not mind having you join me in a photo.  Feel free to post our photo on my Facebook page.

I am a sculpture who arrived in downtown Champaign with the help of The City of Champaign and The Public Art League.  I was created by Kimber Fiebiger who resides in Minneapolis, MN.  You may also know another of her creations…my illuminating friend ”Chester the Jester,” who currently lives right down the street.

Please come visit me on the wall outside of the Esquire Lounge in downtown Champaign.  You know that “Esquire,” often abbreviated “Esq,” is a title of respect…which can certainly be assigned to as refined a gentleman as I.  Please come and pay me a visit – I would enjoy the pleasure of your company.

Mr. Eggwards with Champaign Mayor Deb Feinen

Keeping It Together in Leal Park

"Keep It Together"

by Benjamin Pierce

The Public Art League proudly welcomes "Keep It Together" by Benjamin Pierce (Cape Girardeau, MO) to Leal Park in Urbana.  The sculpture is constructed of welded steel, brick, hardi-plank, aluminum, asphalt shingle and wood.  All are exterior grade products common in the construction of a house.

Thank you to Barak Rosenshine for his site sponsorship of this piece.  Also, thanks to the Urbana Park District for providing the beautiful location and for assistance with the installation.

"Shooting Star Spotted at Allerton Park"

"Shooting Star"

by Don Lawler

The Public Art League welcomes "Shooting Star" by Don Lawler (Stephensport, KY) to the beautiful surroundings of Allerton Park in Monticello, IL.  "Shooting Star" is carved from Indiana limestone and weighs around 3,000 lbs.  The artist indicates that "this functional sculpture is a reminder to enjoy the moment.  Cast a wish!"

Thank you to The Friends of Allerton for the site sponsorship and installation of this piece!

Downtown Urbana Turning Over "A New Leaf"

"A New Leaf" by Don Lawler

Pictured: Don Lawler (Artist) and Pauline Tannos (Urbana Public Arts Program)

The Public Art League is proud to welcome "A New Leaf" by Don Lawler (Stephensport, KY).  "A New Leaf" is a functional sculpture that represents self-renewal.  The composition is intended to look like a victory laurel - or bird wings taking flight.  The piece is carved from Indiana limestone and weighs close to 3,000 pounds.

"A New Leaf" is installed near the corner of Race and Water Streets in downtown Urbana.  A big thank you to the City of Urbana and the Urbana Public Arts Program for the sponsorship and installation of the piece!

Horse and The Hound Frolic by the Creek

Horse and The Hound

by Jim Collins

The Public Art League welcomes "Horse and The Hound" by Jim Collins (Signal Mountain, TN) to a serene spot by the Boneyard Creek in Urbana.  Come visit the piece in the park near the Boneyard Creek at the corner of N. Race and Griggs Streets.

The horse and hound are life-sized and made of powder-coated stainless steel.  Thank you to MCDJ, LLC for the site sponsorship of the piece.  Also, thank you to the City of Urbana and the Urbana Public Arts Program for their support with site preparation and installation.

"Hole in My Heart" Installed at Hessel Park!

"Hole In My Heart"

by Benjamin Pierce

Join the Public Art League in welcoming "Hole In My Heart" by Benjamin Pierce (Cape Girardeau, MO) to Hessel Park in Champaign.  The sculpture was constructed from welded and stainless steel with portions painted with hi-solids poly paint.  It stands 9 1/2 feet tall with its shape matching the contours of the beautiful Hessel Park trail.

A big thanks to Barham Benefit Group for sponsoring the site.  Thanks also go out to the Champaign Park District for their work with site preparation and installation.

Public Art League's 2016 Unveiling Celebration!

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Art Mart

1705 S. Prospect Ave.

Champaign, IL

Please join us Tuesday, July 26th from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. at Art Mart as we unveil the sculptures that could make their way to the Champaign-Urbana area this year!  Artists from all over the country have submitted their entries and you will get a chance to see the wonderful pieces that have been selected for installation.

Hors d'oeuvres Provided.  Beer & Wine Available (Cash Bar)

Please RSVP by Friday, July 22:  RSVP here

2016 Call to Artists

The Public Art League is currently seeking artist submissions of sculpture for installation in 2016.  Please see our current Call to Artists here.

Please note that the entry deadline is 5:00 p.m. CST on July 14th.

Thank you.

Public Art League Wine Tasting

Please join us on Thursday, April 21, 2016 at the new Art Mart for the Public Art League Wine Tasting.  Discover great wines, enjoy appetizers and support public art.

The event will be held from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.  Feel free to stop by any time!  We will be at the beautiful new Art Mart at 1705 S. Prospect Ave. in Champaign.  Entry is $25 and will go towards a great cause!  In addition, there will be special discounts on wines ordered at the event and a portion of the event's wine sales will be donated to PAL!

Tickets may be purchased online here:  Buy Tickets

Tickets are also available for purchase at Art Mart.