Park District of Oak Park Unveils New Mosaic Mural “Motor Row” by Artist Carolyn Elaine and the Off the Wall Apprentices
OAK PARK, IL (Aug. 19, 2024) – The Park District of Oak Park is thrilled to announce the
installation of a captivating new artwork by esteemed mosaicist Carolyn Elaine and the “Off the Wall” Arts program under the Oak Park Area Arts Council. This vibrant mosaic “Motor Row” now adorns the additional Community Recreation Center parking lot wall at 228-230 Madison Street, adding a touch of history and beauty to this community space.
Carolyn Elaine and the Off the Wall apprentice artists designed, constructed, and installed the mosaic which pays homage to Motor Row, a historically significant stretch of Madison Street where visitors could purchase automobiles, accessories or find maintenance services.
Carolyn Elaine together with the Off the Wall apprentice artists are known for many stunning mosaics across Oak Park, including the recent renovation of the mosaic artwork “Stories of our Neighborhood” on the east wall of the Community Recreation Center (CRC).
“The Park District of Oak Park is proud to support local artists and bring public art to our
community spaces,” said Kassie Porreca, President of the Park District Board of Commissioners. “We invite everyone to visit the space to experience this beautiful mosaic and appreciate the rich history it represents.”
Camille Wilson White, Executive Director of the Oak Park Area Arts Council, stated “The Oak Park Area Arts Council is very proud to offer the Off the Wall program for the past 19 years. Many of the young apprentices who have gone through the program are now teachers or professional artists. They credit the Off the Wall program with developing not only their artistic skills, but also developing their leadership skills. They love the program and are so grateful to the Oak Park Area Arts Council for continuing and growing this tremendous program.”
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About Park District of Oak Park: The Park District of Oak Park serves the recreation needs of Oak Park’s 54,000 residents, providing nearly 8,000 programs and special events annually throughout our versatile recreation centers, 18 parks totaling 84 acres, a community recreation center, two outdoor pools, indoor ice rink, gymnastic center, the Oak Park Conservatory, Cheney Mansion and Pleasant Home. Since 1912, our high-quality programs and well-maintained parks and facilities have dependably met residents’ diverse leisure, wellness, childcare and other needs and helped enhance quality of life. Learn more at pdop.org.
About the Off the Wall: Off the Wall is a summer youth employment program in which young adults aged 16-22 apprentice with master artists to design, construct, and install mosaic and bricolage murals in Oak Park and neighboring communities. The program began in 2005 and has since overseen the installation of over fifteen large- scale murals. The program is a great opportunity for young artists to engage in meaningful and enriching employment which provides experience and benefits the community. Learn more at oakparkareaartscouncil.org.
