Waves of DuPage Beautiful Cities Public Art
This project invites each city in DuPage County to submit one or more of their iconic landmarks, reimagined in the traditional Ukiyo-e art style. These illustrations will be used to promote and celebrate the unique character and beauty of each city, blending the rich cultural history of DuPage with the timeless elegance of Japanese art. This project is being presented by the Clev Carney Museum of Art and will be showcased alongside the Hokusai exhibition in the summer of 2025. As part of the initiative, 30 original illustrations have been commissioned specifically for the exhibit.
Clev Carney Museum of Art Breakfast
I talked about my preparation on winning the commission.
Naperville Millennium Carillon
At the base of the Riverwalk's Rotary Hill stands the majestic Millennium Carillon in Moser Tower, a unique, 16-story structure with a 72- bell musical instrument. This gift, given to the Naperville community to commemorate the dawn of the New Millennium, was built through community support and donations, and is maintained through a partnership between the Naperville Park District, Millennium Carillon Foundation and the City of Naperville.
Mural location: Nichols Library. 200 W Jefferson Ave, Naperville
Naperville Riverwalk
Naperville Riverwalk was built by residents in 1981 to commemorate the city's 150th birthday. Since then, it has become a focal point of the community and is recognized as one of the most beautiful spots in the Midwest, and has won state and national awards. Its covered bridges, fountains, landscaping, and distinctive shepherd's-crook light poles have become symbolic of Naperville's ties to its historic past as the oldest settlement in DuPage County.
Mural location: Nichols Library. 200 W Jefferson Ave, Naperville
Naperville Riverwalk
The Naperville Riverwalk Covered Bridge is an iconic structure that spans across the DuPage River, connecting the east and west sections of the Riverwalk with its distinctive charm. The bridge stands as a testament to the city's commitment to preserving its historical character while providing a tranquil pathway for residents and visitors alike to escape the bustling city and immerse themselves in the natural beauty that surrounds them.
Mural location: Nichols Library. 200 W Jefferson Ave, Naperville
Naperville Downtown
Naperville is a thriving western Chicago suburb that seamlessly blends big-city amenities and a thriving business sector with a quintessential small-town quality of life. The tree-lined streets of downtown teeming with numerous shopping and dining options to the thriving retail and restaurant district located in the southern part of Naperville.
Mural location: Nichols Library. 200 W Jefferson Ave, Naperville
Lisle
Lisle's downtown fountain serves as central landmark for shoppers and visitors.
Mural Location: Lisle Library. 777 Front St, Lisle
Woodridge
Lake Harriet has long been a cherished destination in the Village of Woodridge, offering residents and visitors a serene escape to enjoy the beauty of nature. Spanning 8.7 acres, the park features beautiful walking and bikingtrails, a peaceful lake for fishing, and inviting picnic spots. Its picturesque bridge serves as a beloved landmark, adding to the park's charm and appeal.
Mural Location: Village of Woodridge. 5 Plaza Drive, Woodridge.
The Mac
The McAninch Arts Center (MAC) encourages immersive learning and student involvement by combining the arts, performance and academics under one roof.
Downers Grove
The Linda Kunze Plaza at the Main Street Train Station serves as a gateway to the Village Downers Grove. It hosts many formal and informal activities including Friday Night Concerts, Downtown Downers Grove Market and Coffee with the Council. Thousands of people gather at Kunze Plaza throughout the summer.
Mural location: window above the main south entrance of the Main Street Train Station facing Linda Kunze Plaza.
Roselle
Main Street is the perfect encapsulation of Roselle. Roselle's small town charm is on display with signature business Lynfred Winery right on the corner of Main St and Roselle Road, as well as the many unique shops and restaurants down Main Street. But Main Street is also a nod to Roselle's modern amenities, from apartments and condos to the grant‐funded Petal Porch public space, which includes a custom community mosaic. The Veterans Park, visible from Main Street, is also a beloved spot in town.
Mural location: Petal Porch. Main St & Prospect St, Roselle.
Hanover Park
Village Hall is the center of operations for the Village of Hanover Park. In front of Village Hallis the Veterans Memorial Plaza and is a place that residents and non‐residents can remember loved ones who have served our country in the nation’s different service branches. The memorial is highlighted with a centerpiece eternal flame sculpture, entitled"Eternally Remembered" that will appear to flicker in the night. The Plaza also houses theWar Dog Memorial statute, which honors all canines that have served in the U.S. armed forces.
Mural location: Village Hall. 2121 W Lake St, Hanover Park.
Wheaton
The DuPage Historical Museum was originally the Adams Memorial Library, one of the first two libraries in DuPage County. Built in 1890, the landmark is located on the corner of Wesley and Main Streets, a highly visible central downtown Wheaton intersection. Accredited in 2023, the adjacent Arboretum at Adams Park is a popular 2.5‐acre city park featuring 138 trees (53 different species) and a central fountain.
Mural location. Wheaton Public Library. 225 N Cross St, Wheaton.
Carol Stream Welcoming Arch
Constructed in 2003 and standing 26.5” tall, the Arch symbolizes the Village’s welcoming spirit. The base features pavers inscribed with “welcome” in various languages and is the focal point of many community events. It also anchors the Veterans Memorial, honoring those who served in our armed forces and preserving their legacy for future generations.
Mural location: Carol Stream Public Library front window. 616 Hiawatha Dr, Carol Stream
Carol Stream Public Library Sculpture
Cor‐Ten Steel sculpture designed by C.T. Cedarholm. Installed in 1982, it represents man’s search for information, education, culture & recreation.
Mural location: Carol Stream Public Library front window. 616 Hiawatha Dr, Carol Stream
West Chicago
West Chicago Community High School will commemorate its 100th anniversary in 2026 and we felt this original (pre‐additions to building) image captured the essence of the building. Generations of West Chicago students, teachers, families have come through this school.
Mural location: Gallery 200 front window. 103 W Washington St, West Chicago
Elmhurst
Wilder Park Conservatory is home to a wide variety of plants. Built in 1923, Wilder Park Conservatory was the very first Elmhurst Park District capital project.
Mural location: Elmhurst City Centre. 1st Street, Elmhurst
Elmhurst
York Community High School in Elmhurst, Illinois was established in 1918 after the previous high school burned down in 1917. The most recent, and almost complete rebuild, took place between 2000‐2004.
Mural location: Spring Road Business District
Winfield
The gazebo in Creekside park symbolizes both a gathering space and a shelter. It is a focal point of many community gatherings such as Winfield’s Good Old Days and Summerfest. It has remained in Winfield despite changes being made around it so it is a recognizable symbol of our downtown green space. It has a solid identifiable presence within the Village of Winfield and is used on an increasing basis as we expand our community events efforts.
Mural location: TBD
Warrenville
From 1924‐1957 this 1858 former Methodist Church was home to Adam Emory Albright and his twin artist sons Ivan and Malvin ":" Albright. As the art studio for these important 20th Century artists, Warrenville served as the location where Ivan Albright created much of his foundational work using Warrenville models. The Albright Building, which was included in the 1934 Historic American Buildings Survey, is now the home of the Warrenville Historical Museum & Art Gallery.
Mural location: Warrenville Library. 28W751 Stafford Place, Warrenville
Hinsdale
Memorial Hall and the adjoining Hinsdale Public Library have been at the center of community life in Hinsdale for almost a century. This past fall, the Library and Village partnered to replace the aging plaza on the south side of the building, situated prominently on a hill overlooking the train station and downtown.
Mural location: Placement in our main floor's spacious living room, also home to several pieces from our permanent collection.
Morton Arboretum
The Temperate Asia collection includes important trees from Japan, Korea, and China, which share a similar climate to the Chicago region. This collection is undergoing an interpretive renovation this summer that will highlight science and cultural connections of these tree species.
Mural location: Outdoors along the main route near Parking Lot 18, at the entrance to our Temperate Asia Collection. P‐18 is also near the Arboretum entrance, making easily accessible whether by car, walking, or cycling.
Clarendon Hills
Park & Prospect Clarendon Hills Community Event.
Mural location: Train station Depot on the north east side of Burlington and Prospect Ave
Glen Ellyn Library
Glen Ellyn Public Library serves the community as a vibrant center for accurate information, robust learning, and personal discovery. We believe that a community flourishes when it sees itself reflected in its library and uses the library as a window for discovery. We exist to provide an open, vibrant center that builds community where all people can connect, explore new trends, and find trustworthy, reliable information to feed their curiosity. We demonstrate our mission by offering dynamic, modern spaces, a broad range of resources and timely events, trusted and welcoming staff, and a commitment to the wellbeing of our community.
Mural location: Displayed inside the library on our gallery wall and potentially on our outdoor digital sign.
Glen Ellyn Boathouse
Mural location: Downtown Glen Ellyn at Main & Crescent, possible secondary use at Paris Baguette