Exclusive Garden Sculpture Exhibit to Open May 19
Visitors to Chicago’s Oakbrook Center this summer may think they’ve walked into a high-end art gallery or fairy tale garden thanks to a unique public art exhibit set to open at the prestigious shopping destination on May 19. InBloom, a visually spectacular showcase of imaginative fiberglass sculptures and fine art pieces, promises a feast for the eyes and a thrill for art lovers of all ages.
“We are honored to be the first retail center to host an exhibit of this caliber,” said Suzanne Cook-Beres, senior marketing manager for Oakbrook Center. “Never before have so many accomplished artists been showcased in such an engaging and accessible way. Our summer visitors are in for an unforgettable visual experience.”
Featuring the talents of more than 30 artists and artist groups from across the country, the InBloom exhibit will be prominently displayed throughout the lush gardens and flowing fountains at Oakbrook Center May 19 through August 21. Once the exhibit closes, the one-of-a-kind pieces will be sold at auction to benefit HCS Family Services, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families throughout Southeast DuPage County.
“HCS Family Services is excited to be partnering with Oakbrook Center to present InBloom,” said Susan Fritz, executive director of the Hinsdale-based non-profit group. “We are so thankful to the many volunteers, sponsors and artists who have made this event a reality. The increased awareness and support generated through this event will greatly further our mission to serve low-income individuals and families in our community.”
“As a long time supporter of HCS Family Services, I am honored and delighted to be the chairperson of this wonderful event,” added HCS Board Member Kathy Harris of Hinsdale. “It is very exciting and rewarding for me to see so many amazing volunteers, community partners and businesses work together to pull an event of this magnitude together to support the programs that HCS provides to individuals and families in need. My heartfelt thanks to everyone involved!”
A GARDEN OF FIBERGLASS DELIGHTS
The heart of the exhibit is a collection of more than 30 whimsical fiberglass sculptures inspired by three garden-themed foundation forms including a leaping frog measuring 54” x 44” x 30”, a three-foot-high morning glory bench and a five-foot-tall hibiscus-shaped birdbath/fountain. Each artist/group applied their own techniques to create custom-designed pieces reflecting their individual styles and visions. In some cases, the artists worked in conjunction with sponsoring organizations to bring collective visions to life.
One such artist/sponsor collaboration can be found in the pairing of Graycor Construction and emerging artist Alexander Fedirko (www.alexfedirko.com). Inspired by architecture and currently featured in the Willis Tower Lobby Group Exhibition, Fedirko uses photographs as a tool to visually recreate buildings and structures through his paintings. The Michigan native and owner of Studio 206 in Chicago’s South Loop applied a similar approach to visually transform one of the InBloom birdbaths into the world-famous Chicago landmark for his creation titled “Chicago – Hard Hats Required.”
Other exhibit highlights include three frog sculptures inspired and sponsored by the Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Bulls and Chicago White Sox. Each sculpture is signed by the members of the respective teams adding to their value and making them true collectors’ pieces.
“We anticipate a tremendous response to these sculptures, especially considering how beloved each of these teams is,” said Cook-Beres. “Sports fans and art lovers alike will delight in these creative tributes to our professional athletes. We are so appreciative of the support each of these teams has given us and HCS and expect these pieces to be a big draw throughout the summer as well as at our charity auction this fall.”
“Stanley”
Lifelong “Hawks” fan Lisa Garrett of Western Springs (www.pixxidesigns.com) created the tribute to the 2010 Stanley Cup champions. Suited up in a Chicago Blackhawks uniform, her whimsical painted frog aptly titled “Stanley” features images of the team in action along with a scene from last year’s Stanley Cup trophy presentation.
“Da Bullfrog”
Inspired by her lifelong endeavor to improve the quality of the human behavior and experience through art, artist Tia Jones-Etu (www.whatevercomestomind.com) joined the InBloom project as the creative force behind the fiberglass frog sponsored by the Chicago Bulls. The graduate of the Chicago School of the Art Institute, who currently creates and teaches art in Chicago, conceived “Da Bullfrog,” an all-star amphibian complete with team jersey, Spalding basketball-inspired lily and a basketball court lily pad signed by the team.
“Firebelly Ozzie”
Celebrating the 2005 World Series champs, “Firebelly Ozzie,” created by local artist Carla Bank of Barrington (www.carla-bank.fineartamerica.com) presents a visual history of the Chicago White Sox. Born and raised in Mexico City, Bank’s art reflects her cultural upbringing and lifelong love of color, which can be seen in her vibrant InBloom contribution. Sporting the jersey of longtime player and team manager Ozzie Guillen, the painted sculpture also features a timeline of Chicago White Sox logos from 1939 to the present. Additionally, hidden within the piece for determined viewers to find, is “Southpaw,” the Chicago White Sox mascot.
Other sponsors supporting HCS Family Services through their participation in InBloom include Adventist Hinsdale Hospital, AMD, Bill Jacobs Land Rover Hinsdale, Brickman Group, Buca Di Beppo, CDW, Chicago Marriott Oak Brook, Citadel, The Clubhouse Restaurant, Gibson's Bar & Steakhouse, Graycor Construction, Hinsdale Bank & Trust, McGrath Lexus, Microsoft Store, Neiman Marcus, Printing Arts, Remes Auto Body, Sharpie, Tiffany & Co., True Consulting, United Auto Insurance and Wildman, Harrold, Allen & Dixon LLP.
FINE ART CREATIONS
In addition to the fiberglass sculptures, InBloom also will feature fine art pieces designed by nationally-renowned artists including Tanya Regir of Los Angeles (www.tanyaregir.com), and Chicago residents Kevin Taylor (www.paintingsprimarily.com) and Plamen Yordanov (www.plamenarts.com).
Tanya Regir
Regir, a sculptor who specializes in the lost art of wax casting, used this unique process to create a special statue for InBloom sponsored by Whole Foods and titled “Harmony. Whole Food. Whole People. Whole Planet.” Her work is frequently loaned to movie and television sets and has been seen in such popular films as “Meet the Fockers,” in which Regir’s signature nudes were featured throughout the home of Barbra Streisand’s character, sex therapist Roz Focker.
“We are thrilled to have Tanya as part of this exhibit,” said Fritz. “She supports several organizations with missions similar to HCS Family Services and is truly committed to helping eliminate homelessness. She is creating a beautiful, one-of-a-kind bronze piece for us and is underwriting a big portion of it herself.”
Kevin Taylor
Taylor, who has created sculptures for Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, and Shakespeare Theater, and who most recently designed the 2010 Chicago Blackhawks hockey helmets for the Art Institute of Chicago’s world-famous lions, is producing a nine-foot dandelion called “Wish,” sponsored by Microsoft and Aqueity, that will sway in the wind and sparkle in the sunlight. According to Taylor, the large-scale, yet intricately detailed, piece symbolizes the hope that HCS Family Services gives to its clients.
Plamen Yordanov
Best known for his “Infinity Mobile” series which includes permanent sculptures at Chicago’s Navy Pier and Millennium Park, Yordanov is contributing a similarly-inspired and titled piece for InBloom. Additionally, he and his son, Damian, a senior at Lincoln Public School, also are lending their talents to two of the exhibit’s fiberglass garden sculptures. The work is sponsored by Guggenheim Partners, a strong supporter of arts organizations.
“InBloom is a veritable treasure of artistry, boasting pieces created by painters, sculptors and other artists whose works typically are showcased in galleries, museums and private collections,” said Cook-Beres. “In addition to lending their time and incredible talents to this project, these artists also have generously agreed to donate their sculptures to raise much-needed funds to help area families in need for which we are incredibly privileged and grateful.”
Upon the conclusion of the exhibit, all of the sculptures, including the fine art pieces, will be auctioned at a gala event to be held September 24 at the Oak Brook Marriott with proceeds benefitting HCS Family Services. Tickets for the auction gala will go on sale to the public in August.
To experience InBloom first-hand, visit Oakbrook Center between May 19 and August 21. More information about the exhibit can be found online at www.oakbrookcenter.com, www.inbloom.org and www.hcsfamilyservices.org, as well as on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/OakbrookCenter and Twitter via @OakbrookCenter.
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About Oakbrook Center
Oakbrook Center, located in Oak Brook, Illinois on the corner of Route 83 and Cermak Road just off of interstate 88 and 294, is one of Chicago’s most prestigious shopping destinations with over 25 million visitors per year. The center features a unique collection of more than 160 shops and restaurants. Shopping hours are: Monday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Sunday 11: 00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. For complete information, please visit www.oakbrookcenter.com or call 630/573-0700.
Oakbrook Center is owned and managed by General Growth Properties, one of the nation’s largest shopping center owners. General Growth Properties has ownership and management interest in 169 regional and super regional shopping malls in 43 states. The company portfolio totals 174 million square feet of retail space. A publicly-traded real estate investment trust (REIT), GGP is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol GGP.
About HCS Family Services
HCS Family Services (HCS) is a compassionate 501(c)3 organization which has been serving the residents of Southeast DuPage County since 1937. Its goal is to prevent homelessness and food insecurity, help low-income individuals achieve their dreams of sustained economic self-sufficiency and to create an improved quality of life for themselves and their families. HCS empowers people to reach their goals through one-one guidance, education and advocacy. Service include: personalized guidance and support, education and career development, family strengthening and practical support for immediate basic needs. For more information, visit www.hcsfamilyservices.org.
