Vibrant Outdoor Art Display Rolls Out in La Grange

La Grange has rolled out dozens of colorful party carts to sidewalks this summer, as part of an outdoor public art exhibit that encourages visitors to explore La Grange block-by-block.

Called “La Grange Rolls with It,” nearly 30 party carts are sponsored by local businesses or organizations and painted by local artists to draw attention to La Grange’s lively business community and vibrant arts scene.

The art display is organized by the La Grange Business Association (LGBA) and sponsored by Douglas Auto Body, the Park District of La Grange and the Village of La Grange along with dozens of business owners. Designs range from sophisticated to outlandish and contemporary to traditional from well-known local artists like Paula Horvath and Julie Duffy to La Grange Fire Chief Terry Vavra. View all the party carts here.

The carts will be displayed outdoors through Labor Day and then auctioned on Saturday, September 12 to benefit local nonprofit groups. The auction is centerpiece to a series of art events in La Grange throughout the month of September.

Hand built by Wade’s World of Woodworking, each cart features two shelves, two wheels at the bottom and a push handle. The carts are secured to light poles throughout the business district for display through the summer.

This is the 14th year that the business association has organized a summer public art exhibit, which each year features a different item like rocking chairs, giant clocks, little libraries, peace pole birdhouses, beverage coolers and loveseats.

Scavenger Hunt Encourages Admirers to Explore Block by Block

Admirers are invited to explore the art exhibit one block at a time and “hunt” for items that have been painted on the carts. A walking map to the exhibit that lists the location of the artwork, the items to find and instructions on how to submit answers can be found at lagrangeevents.com or through the La Grange mobile app, available for free in the Google and Apple Stores. Three winners will be randomly selected from all correct submissions received by September 1, 2020 to each receive $100 in La Grange Gift Certificates.

According to the La Grange Business Association, the outdoor art display will encourage the community to stay active and walk while social distancing. “A walking art exhibit with the added twist of a scavenger hunt is a fun way for families to stay active,” said Nancy Cummings, the organization’s executive director.

About the La Grange Business Association

The La Grange Business Association is a group of over 300 businesses, services and non-profit organizations that strive to energize and enhance the local economy through events, networking and advocacy. Details and updates on all programming may be found on their website at www.lgba.com; follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Sponsoring Business/Title of Artwork/Name of Artist:

1. Smothers Group with Compass: Be, Paula Horvath & Julie Serrano

2. Little Peoples Country Academy of Arts & Education: The Zest is Yet to Come, Claudia Rodriguez

3. La Grange Fire Department: Real Hero’s Don’t Wear Capes, Chief Terry Vavra

4. Beds Plus: Cart Nouveau, Erin Molek & Greta Molek

5. Barrel House Social: Garden Cart-y, Julie Duffy

6. Mike McNamara, Guaranteed Rate: Whimsical, Aracely McNamara

7. Club Pilates: Keep Palm and Carry On, Calleigh McPartlin

8. Helping Hand Center: Connections in Bloom, Clients at Helping Hand Center

9. Mathnasium: Concavity Koi, Emma Rout

10. Legacy Guild: Legacy Garden, Jamie Carney & Karin Carney

11. La Grange Art League: Let’s Get Blooming Again, Gailene Cowger

12. Santiagos: Treasures of Mexico, Isabella & Irineo Jimenez

13. Horizon Wealth Management: KaleidoSoul, Lorna Lightle

14. La Grange Area Historical Society: Enjoy the Ride, Paula Horvath & Julie Serrano

15. Interfaith Community Partners: Wherever You Shall Roll, Kimberly Arndt

16. Catherine Dugan LaBelle, Baird Warner: Life is a Daring Adventure, John Matthews

17. Park District of La Grange: Tropical Nights, Kevin Miller

18. Battistoni & Beam Orthodontics: A Quarantine Masterpiece, Battistoni & Beam Team

19. Aracely’s Bakery: Chicago Bulls, David Gonzalez

20. Jen Harding, @properties: Peace and Love, Stella Harding

21. Pet Parade Charities: Keep the Party Rolling, Pam Kellar

22. Hortons: Caribbean Goombay Smash, Jan Reagan

23. Gemini Gymnastics: Bloom, Jenine Clavenger

24. Balanced Asset Strategies: Man’s Best Friend, Debbie Gazis

25. La Grange Library: Bright Spot, Arcadia McCauley

27. ELLIPTIHIT: Dream Plans, Zen Burgos

28. Blueberry Hill: Serving America Since 1776, Lorna Lightle

29. Steak + Vine: You Make Me Happy, Mary Rohlicek

30. Petty & Dragstrem: Bright Smiling Futures, Petty & Dragstrem Orthodontics