Above / Since 2013, the Joe Naper sculpture by artist Jeff Adams has stood at Naper’s Homestead, located at the corner of Jefferson Avenue and Mill Street in downtown Naperville.
In 2021 the Naperville City Council approved an annual SECA (Special Events Cultural Amenities) grant for three years to Century Walk Corporation as a city obligation in addition to the annual maintenance award.
With this action, Century Walk is dedicated to continuing its mission of creating and maintaining culturally significant and diverse public art throughout Naperville well into the 21st Century.
Accordingly, Century Walk Corporation has formed a search team to work with its Board of Directors to recruit volunteers and new board members supportive of its mission for whom art is a passion.
Individuals who are interested in serving on the Century Walk Board, on a committee or in some other capacity, are asked to contact Century Walk by February 18, 2022, at centurywalk@outlook.com.
Century Walk since 1996
The Century Walk Corporation, founded in 1996, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing public art to Naperville, to add beauty to the town, build community and bridge generations by paying tribute to over 200 years of Naperville history through a diverse collection of murals, mosaics, sculptures and more.
More about ‘Joe Naper’ at Naper’s Homestead
When the Naperville Heritage Society decided to commission a sculpture of the city’s founder and namesake, longtime Naperville resident and legendary cartoonist Dick Locher, known for both his Dick Tracy comic strips and his political cartoons, was immediately chosen to help create the artwork depicting the likeness of Capt. Joseph Naper.
Locher’s concept and design were brought to life in this beautiful 9½-foot monumental sculpture by artist and sculptor Jeff Adams.
Dedication was August 23, 2013, on the 151st anniversary of Joseph Naper’s death. “Joe Naper” is the 43rd commissioned piece of Century Walk art.
In the beginning and looking forward
Dedicated in 1996, the first piece for Century Walk was art in relief by artist S. Michael Re called “Naperville’s Own,” a tribute to the Naperville Municipal Band. The artwork depicting members of the brass band that originated in 1859 is located on the Washington Street side of US Bank, at 136 S. Washington Street and Jefferson Avenue.
Today folks will find Century Walk art in 52 locations, mostly throughout downtown Naperville. The public art also is visible around the clock at three Naperville Libraries, North Central College Merner Field House, Burlington Square Park, Washington Jr. High School, Highlands School, Naperville Central High School, DuPage Children’s Museum, Knoch Knolls Nature Center and the Naperville Art League Gallery.
For more information about volunteering interests, email centurywalk@outlook.com.
