See that picture?

The camera was positioned at the southeast corner of Ontario Street and Harlem Avenue (facing west)— not the most spectacular looking corner in Oak Park.

It's not terrible, of course. Just kind of ... unremarkable. 

Imagine you're an artist charged with creating something visionary there. Something lasting.

That's the challenge from the Oak Park Public Art Advisory Commission (PAAC).

The 11-member citizen's group is soliciting ideas for original sculptures, and they're throwing in a $30,000 stipend to help stir some creativity.

The installation was part of the original development plan for the location, which includes Whiteco's Oak Park Place Apartments and Trader Joe's grocery store, village officials said. The $30,000 stipend is paid by Whiteco.

According to the application, a five-member PAAC subcommittee will review the application and select four finalists, who's conceptual renderings will be be open to comment from the public from Dec. 15 through Jan. 7. The full PAAC committee will recommend a finalist to the Village Board for final approval.

Here's what judges will be looking for: Durability of at least 25 years, artistic merit, creativity and "appropriateness" to the site.

The winning artist is eligible to receive up to 25 percent of the $30,000 stipend upfront. The rest will be paid after the work is installed. The winner will then help "design, fabricate, transport and install the work."

Interested in applying? A PDF application accompanies this story. Or candidates can call 708-358-5648.

The deadline for submissions is Dec. 10.