Artist Nate Baranowski Creates 3D Chalk Work in Glen Ellyn 10/9

3D award-winning chalk artist Nate Baranowski will create artwork in the heart of Glen Ellyn in front of Citibank, 444 N. Main St beginning 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 9. “Citibank is appreciative of being a valued member of community and to have the opportunity to host the artist event, and to welcome families,” said Glen Ellyn Citibank Branch Manager David Kendzerski.

In addition to Baranowski’s installation, “Chalk the Walk” encourages all residents to decorate their own walks with free chalk available at three community locations. “Chalk the Walk” is part of the College of DuPage (COD) Public Art program. This program is a two-year initiative in which College of DuPage is partnering with DuPage County communities in the creation of public artworks and fostering community engagement in the arts.

“The COD Public Arts Project Committee is excited and invested in engaging the greater community, organizations, schools and families to show off their creativity and build community through something fun and creative,” says Diana Martinez, chair of the committee. “Fall is always such a beautiful time in Glen Ellyn, and ‘Chalk the Walk’ is a perfect tie-in to the season. It is also a great way for Glen Ellyn to celebrate the start of Arts DuPage month, which runs throughout October.”

Baranowski is a Chicago-based award-winning artist who has traveled the world doing installations. He has worked in a range of mediums, including large chalk murals, indoor and outdoor painted murals, acrylic on canvas, and various forms of digital painting and concept art. For his appearance in Glen Ellyn, Baranowski will be doing what he specializes in: 3D chalk creation that looks like it pops right out of the ground.

The COD Public Arts Project Committee encourages everyone join in the fun and chalk the sidewalk in front of their home or business 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 9. Those who wish to participate can pick up a box of free chalk (one package per family) from the Glen Ellyn Public Library, 400 Duane St.; the McAninch Arts Center Box Office, 435 Fawell Blvd. and the Glen Ellyn Civic Center, 535 Duane St. Tuesday, Oct. 6 – Saturday, Oct. 9, 12-6 p.m. (while supplies last). Three packages of chalk will have a winning ice cream gift. Chalk is compliments of McAninch Arts Center, college of DuPage and Village of Glen Ellyn. Everyone is invited to share a photo of their family friendly artwork by uploading photo to https://tinyurl.com/WalksGE

Glen Ellyn Park District has also come on board to join in the fun, and Dave Harris at the Glen Ellyn Park District welcomes families to come to Lake Ellyn Park, 645 Lenox Rd. to chalk the sidewalks around the park (excludes main drive). Chalk will be made available by the Glen Ellyn Public Art Committee from 10 a.m. – 12 noon.

“Chalk the Walk” is part of the DuPage Public Art Project proposed by Diana Martinez, Director of the McAninch Arts Center, and approved by the College’s Board of Trustees in October 2020 with the goal of initiating public art events and art installations. The partnership with Glen Ellyn is the inaugural kick-off to the College’s Public Art Project, where COD will work with the Village to establish a public arts committee, and partner for the creation of two public art installations and one community arts engagement effort. At the conclusion of the agreement, COD will partner with another town for two years in hopes that the established committee in Glen Ellyn will continue on its own. Martinez proposed the idea in an effort to build Public Art Committees in cities throughout DuPage County. The idea of the Project was inspired by the announcement by COD President Dr. Brian Caputo of the Arts, Culture and Community Engagement Pillar of the College’s 2021-2026 Strategic Long-Range Plan.