Using the theme of “Art Matters” as its guide, the new Park Ridge Public Library exhibit for June will highlight the Kalo Foundation’s ongoing efforts to preserve the studio of local artist Alfonso Iannelli. Several examples of Iannelli’s work, including his famous toaster design, will be included, along with recent jewelry designs by student artists from Maine South High School.

Living in Park Ridge from 1919 to his death in 1965, Iannelli is perhaps most famous in Park Ridge for his extensive work on the Pickwick Theatre. As an internationally recognized sculptor and designer, he also created the ‘sprites’ for Frank Lloyd Wright’s Midway Gardens, as well as the monumental Rock of Gibraltar relief on Chicago’s Prudential Building.

Iannelli’s former studio at the corner of Elm Street and Northwest Highway in Park Ridge served until recently as a florist and gift shop. When the shop closed and the property went up for sale, the Kalo Foundation led a call by concerned citizens to save the building, with the hope that it could be restored and used as multi-faceted cultural center.

The June exhibit will provide details on the Kalo Foundation’s plans for the proposed center, along with historic photos of how it looked in Iannelli’s day. For more information on the exhibit and on the Save the Iannelli Studios initiative, please visit the Kalo Foundation’s website at www.kalofoundation.org.