Algonquin Public Arts Program Celebrates its Seventh Year

Local residents and artists convened at Village Hall on Oct. 27 to celebrate the 7th annual Algonquin public arts program. 

The open house featured artwork selected by the Algonquin Arts Commission for display throughout the village. Photographs, paintings and pottery comprised the diverse collection of artwork, and images of the outdoor sculptures were also on hand.

Roughly one-third of the artists selected are new to the program this year, said Diane Magerko of the Algonquin Public Arts Commission.

“We have displayed 250 pieces of art since the program began in 2005,” Magerko said. “We need to keep building on this foundation we have created.”

This was the first year that Rockford resident Natalee Parochka submitted artwork to the program. Her painting, “Oily Tear,” was created in response to the Gulf oil spill last year. “After the oil spill, I wanted to do something,” she said. “The spill seemed like it was never-ending.”

Parochka said she is excited to be part of this year’s program. “This is a great prime location to get my art out there,” she said.

Artist Jenn Buehn has three paintings that were also selected for display this year. Her small, detailed paintings depict local farmer's markets and are part of a larger series. Buehn studied fine art in Chicago and takes an interest in local, sustainable farming. “It’s kind of ‘city folk meets farmers’,” Buehn said of the paintings. This is the second time Buehn has had artwork included in the Algonquin program.

During the reception, Village President John Schmitt took a moment to thank everyone in attendance. “This program is really important for our community, and I hope other communities are able to do the same,” he said.

Senior Planner Ben Mason also expressed gratitude to the artists as well as the Algonquin Public Arts Commission and public works department. “This is a team effort,” he said.

Selected artworks will be on display for the next year at community locations such as Jacobs High School, the Algonquin Area Public Library and Village Hall.