The Palos Heights Public Arts Commission unveils its latest acquisition from artist Dale Rogers, 'Acoustic Dreams,' in Memorial Park.
PALOS HEIGHTS, IL — Palos Heights doesn’t have big box stores, nor does it want them, but it does have over 40 pieces of public art.
The latest acquisition of the Palos Heights Public Arts Commission was unveiled last Thursday in Memorial Park before the Zydeco Voodoo concert. “Acoustic Dreams,” by Dale Rogers, a full-time metal sculptor from Massachusetts. Rogers specializes in large-scare works for private collectors and public exhibits.
“We don’t want to be Orland Park. We’re not going to be Orland Park,” Mayor Bob Straz said. “We’re not going to have big boxes, we don’t want them. If we need to get to them, they’re ten minutes away.”
Video by Lorraine Swanson | Patch
The powerful new work of art is an approximate 8-foot tall, Cor-ten steel guitar installed just steps away from the Memorial Park gazebo where summer concerts are played. PAC member Lynda Schiappa said she fell in love with the artist’s work while checking out potential pieces for Palos Heights’ collection in Greenhill, SC.
“He’s got tons of pieces down there. I was so jealous,” Schiappa told Patch. “I saw his guitar, I loved his guitar. I think he is an incredible artist, and he has so many great pieces.”
According to the artist’s bio, Rogers is inspired by abstract geometrics and whimsical forms that “aim to create emotional and thought-provoking connects with viewers.”
“My public exhibits feature sculptures that do just this,” Rogers said. “I strive to create thought-provoking work that is sophisticated, easily recognized, and will serve as a mental postcard.”
Rogers said his inspiration for creating an acoustic guitar came after seeing some very cool electric guitar sculptures by another fellow sculptor at the Paradise City Art Show. The guitar strings of the sculpture are made from stainless steel rods that were a perfect addition t the piece.
“I am very happy with the lightweight feel of this sculpture,” the artist said in a statement. “I especially like the tilt and lean that it has.”
The guitar sculpture joins approximately 40 other pieces in the city’s public art collection. The PAC oversees the Art Garden at 72nd and 123rd Street, a peaceful gathering space to appreciate sculpture and nature in Palos Heights. The PAC is also authorized to seek public and private funding assistance for the acquisition and maintenance of programs and works of art.
“Acoustic Dreams” was paid for out of the city’s annual budget and joins approximately 40 other pieces in the Palos Heights’ public arts collection. The piece is permanently installed in Memorial Park, 7607 W. College Drive.
With younger people moving back to the town they grew up in, and older residents staying put in Palos Heights, the mayor said cities gain value through public art – cultural, social and economic.
“You have to do it to make people feel good,” Straz said. “Public art is a distinguishing part of our public history and our evolving culture.”
There is currently an opening on the Palos Heights Public Arts Commission. For more information, email [email protected].