Arts & Entertainment
Concrete Canvas: Area Artists Sought for Mural Project Along Green Line
The Oak Park Area Arts Council is seeking applications from artists who want to create public works of art along the Green Line.
Are you the Picasso of pavement?
The Oak Park Area Arts Council is seeking 15 artists for mural projects to continue the transformation of the retention walls that support the CTA Green Line from drab, grey concrete into beautiful works of public art.
The project was initially launched in 2010 to give Oak Park residents and visitors something nice to look at as they stroll the village and foster outlets for local creativity. Murals have already been completed at North and South boulevards and Oak Park Avenue and east and west of Marion Street.
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Still, the council is looking for full coverage.
Selected artists will be given a $500 stipend for materials prior to beginning their work and another $500 upon completion of the project. The murals will range in size from 6x8 feet to 6x11 feet.
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The project is also open to artists who live outside Oak Park. Those from surrounding communities are encouraged to apply as well.
Want to Sign Up?
Artists interested in throwing their brush in the ring can get an application online at www.oakparkareaartscouncil.org, or at www.oak-park.us.
Applications are due for the first round of selections by 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 30.
From there, seven artists will be selected and notified by Friday, May 10, with the goal of having the completed works up and available for the public gaze by A Day in Our Village, on Sunday, June. 2.
Another eight artists will be selected in early June. The deadline to apply for this round is 5 p.m., Friday, May 31. Selected artists will be notified soon after.
How Will Selections be Made?
Concepts will be judged on artistic merit, appropriateness for a public way and originality. Paint is the only medium that may be used and will need to be of the quality that can withstand weather conditions for a reasonable amount of time. All murals will also be coated with a protective sealant.
For more information on the project and the process, call the Oak Park Area Arts Council at 708-358-5690, or visit their website.
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