Naper Settlement, through a National Endowment for the Arts grant, has developed a walking tour that explores how public art enriches and helps citizens connect with local history and culture. Naperville’s rich cultural heritage includes works of public art that can be seen throughout the city.
“Footsteps – A Guided Tour of Century Walk Art” explores 10 of the extraordinary pieces of Century Walk public art interspersed throughout downtown Naperville’s historic buildings and walkways. During the tour, a Naper Settlement museum educator will describe the history of each piece, the background of the artists and the inspiration behind the murals, mosaics, reliefs and mobiles and sculptures located within a half-mile walk of the museum.
The walks are held from 1 to 2:30PM Sun., July 15 and Sun., Aug. 12 and from 10 to 11:30AM Sat., Sept. 15 and from 2 to 3:30PM Sun. Oct. 14. Tickets are $12 per person and free for Naperville Heritage Society Sustaining members.
“Through the tours, we offer a guided experience focused on the history behind the art pieces that are just steps from the entrance to our museum, including our own public art, Horse Market Days,” said Nancy Smith, Director of Learning Experiences at Naper Settlement.
Horse Market Days was created by three artists, who collaboratively designed the statue. The sculpture harkens back to the days when horses were bought, sold and traded in front of the original Pre-Emption House in downtown Naperville. For more information about the walking tours, call (630) 420-6010 or visit www.napersettlement.museum.
