Northeastern Illinois University, the National Museum of Mexican Art and the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance are in the initial planning stages of a public art installation to be located in the underpass at Kimball Avenue and the Kennedy Expressway, near Northeastern’s El Centro location in the Avondale community.
“Working with our neighbors, building new relationships with local cultural institutions and helping create artwork that reflects our commitment to the neighborhood is exciting,” said Mark McKernin, chair of Northeastern’s Art department.
Community members, local organizations, Northeastern faculty and students, Ald. Rey Colon (35th) and a representative from state Sen. Iris Martinez’s office attended a meeting at El Centro on Dec. 3 to share ideas about how the artwork can best reflect the Avondale neighborhood. Results of that meeting will be presented at a second open meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 28 at 6:30 p.m. before the group uses community feedback to create a final proposal.
In addition to the underpass, the plans may also include two walls near Avondale Avenue that could be available to neighborhood schools and groups. The project will have opportunities for student involvement, and is anticipated to be completed by fall 2015.
