Flossmoor Features New Art, Fundraiser for Art Program

FLOSSMOOR, IL — Art aficionados can enjoy new public sculptures this summer in the Village of Flossmoor. This spring the Village added new sculptures to its permanent collection of public art, in addition to incorporating a new sculpture into its rotational collection.

At the west end of Flossmoor, located in Ballantrae Park (1404 Lanark Avenue, Flossmoor), there now resides a 9-ft. bronze sculpture that is reminiscent of the landscape of America’s West: Paradise, created by late artist Hubert Phipps. Phipps had said that the piece evokes the natural wonder and other-worldliness that he found in places out west, such as Monument National Park. Flossmoor was fortunate to accept the sculpture as a permanent donation from the artist’s estate.

Earlier in May, Chicago-based artist William O’Brien came to the Village to place three related sculptures together at the southeast corner of Flossmoor Park. Located at Brassie Avenue and Flossmoor Road, O’Brien’s donation of Blue Moon, The Purple Rising and Spine, Spindle Heart add vibrancy to the corner of a busy, active recreation area in Flossmoor. The three powder-coated steel sculptures were made from reclaimed metal that survived a fire in O’Brien’s studio in 2012. He said to him they are symbols of triumph and renewal.

In the center of Flossmoor, a new rotational sculpture has been added to Leavitt Park (1010 Leavitt Avenue, Flossmoor): Eternal Flame, made by Michigan-based artist Fritz Olsen. This piece was the artist’s first sculpture in a metal medium, and he said it is his tribute to first responders and the sacrifices they make for people every day. The sculpture has been leased by Flossmoor and will be on display through May 2027.

"The Village is widely recognized for its dynamic public art collection, and this May was an exceptional month for our program," said Flossmoor Mayor Michelle Nelson. "Our sculptures attract regional attention, spark conversations, and inspire people to dream and create."

The public art program in Flossmoor was first established in 1998 through private donations and an Illinois FIRST grant. Since that time, the Flossmoor Public Art Commission has worked to grow and maintain the collection, which has expanded to twelve permanent sculptures and seven rotational sculptures. As the public art program continues to be funded by private donors, the Public Art Commission secures funding for future pieces and for the conservation of its permanent collection through various means of fundraising, including the sale of engraved bricks and benches in Flossmoor’s downtown.

New this summer, the Commission is launching its Garden Art Online Auction, opening Thursday, June 20. Through Thursday, July 25, supporters can bid on one-of-a-kind, custom garden sculptures, birdhouses and yard art, with all proceeds going to Flossmoor’s public art fund. Highlights of the auction include a sculpture from local artist Jason Verbeek (who currently has two rotational sculptures on display in the Village: Land Jacks and Vertical Vegetation) and an Adirondack chair that was custom-built and hand painted by Mayor Nelson; it features a scene of downtown Flossmoor in the summertime.

"The illustration on the donated chair represents my first view of Flossmoor more than 20 years ago, the view that drew me in and inspired me to purchase a home and to build a family and a life here," said Nelson. "It represents several of Flossmoor's values: public art, Village services, small businesses, architecture and inclusion. Please consider bidding on items in this auction to help us continue the incredible public art program in Flossmoor that benefits so many."

Learn more about public art in Flossmoor and bid on Garden Art auction items at www.ArtFlossmoor.org. For more information about the Village of Flossmoor, please visit www.Flossmoor.org.