“Even when he may have thought his gardens were complete, a new idea would occur to him and he would reorganize the location of statues, or change an entire area.” —An excerpt from Robert Allerton: The Private Man & The Public Gifts
In an effort to continue the legacy of Robert Allerton, we have partnered with the Public Art League to bring new pieces of art to Allerton Park.
Chicago Peace Tree by Nicole Beck
Sponsored by the Friends of Allerton
Chicago Peace Tree by Nicole Beck, fuses rhythmic and poetic systems found in nature and the sciences. It celebrates the once regal ash trees of the Midwest which have been decimated by the invasive Emerald Ash Borer Agrilus planipennis brought here on wooden shipping pallets from Northern Asia. This green beetle has been devastating to the ecosystem, wiping out millions of trees. Once the choice wood of bats, this work honors the ash tree’s beauty and strength by tracing its leaf structure and the shape of its canopy.
Nicole has completed many public art installations nationwide, but locally you may recognize her work “Amplifiers” on the University of Illinois Urbana Engineering Quad in front of the new Electrical and Computer Engineering facility, or her works at Urbana’s Meadowbrook Park. This is her third installation for the Public Art League. Presently, Beck is working on another Illinois Art-in-Architecture commission in Decatur. “Sangamon Eddy” will celebrate the river in a 107′ atrium installation for the Richland Student Success Center.
Shooting Star by Don Lawler
Sponsored by the Friends of Allerton
Artist Statement: “This sculpture was inspired by the thrill that I get when I see a meteor streak across the sky. I deliberately created this functional sculpture so that it was comfortable for staring up at the sky at night to watch a meteor shower. For me, the all-too-brief event of a falling star reminds me of Life. This sculpture should be a daily reminder to not squander our most precious resource: Time. We should savor every moment – Carpe Diem!”
Reflective Momentsby Ruth Gee
Sponsored by the Friends of Allerton
Artist Statement: “Reflective Moments is meant to show the importance of quiet times, when we get our inspiration, solutions and find the meaning and courage in our lives. These moments are passed on as ripples that influence those that come after us. I call them ‘God Moments’ when we find the reason for why He created me as ‘Me’ to be a blessing to those around and after me.”
