In the spring of 2005, the Naperville Art League teamed up with the Naperville Park District and offered a public art competition to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the dedication of Jack Arnold’s “Landforms” sculpture. Commissioned by the Naperville Art League (NAL), the piece, located on the Riverwalk at the corner of Jackson and Eagle, embodies the winding walkways, lush foliage and flowing DuPage River that make up Naperville’s crown jewel. The community responded by entering over 40 pieces into the competition.
Realizing the existence of an eager market of artists, NAL proceeded to establish an annual contest. Each year thereafter, as the list of participants grew, the league became more adventurous with their themes. “Commotion,” “Shattered,” and “Backward Forward” stimulated the creative thought process and entries became more personal and more intriguing.
The tradition carries on this year for the League’s 11th Annual Competition. Partnering again with the nonprofit Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry, the league asked artists to submit pieces that exemplified their personal, original interpretation of the theme “Transition.” Artists of high school age through adult faced the challenge and created work that will be included in the exhibit held at the Naperville Art League’s Fine Art Center and Gallery. Literal and metaphorical translations of the concept will be represented, all executed in styles ranging from realism to whimsy.
The public is invited to come and discover the potential that awaits. An Artists’ Reception is planned from 2PM to 4PM on Sun., March 15, with an award ceremony at 3:15PM. Refreshments will be served.
The “Transition” exhibit opens on Wed., March 11 and runs through Sat., March 21. Donations of non-perishable food items on behalf of Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry are welcome throughout the show
Gallery hours are noon to 4PM Wednesday through Friday and 10AM to 4PM Saturdays with special Sunday hours 2PM to 4PM on March 15.
For more info, call (630) 355-2530 or visit www.napervilleartleague.com.
Naperville Fine Art Center and Gallery is located at 508 North Center St.
