Smart Living West - March 2021

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Smart L iving t Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • 95¢ • March 2021

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Adventure Awaits in Geneva

Family Fun Downtown & Outdoors

Spring Cleaning? Add a Closet System Designers Make Decorating a Breeze

NEW

What’s Hiding in a St. Charles Park?

10 Spring Activities in the Fox Valley (Photographed at Artemisa)

Quality, Smart Products & Services for Your Home, Family, Health, & Entertainment!

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In This Issue Right in Our Region........................... Cover & p. 16 Spring for Family Fun in Geneva Your Remodel ......................................................11 Closet Systems Can Tame Any Mess Inspiration & Worship ........................................14 The Psalms Journey Your Kitchen .......................................................19 Set Apart the Kitchen with a Stone Surface Your Home .....................................................21, 25 A Functional Garage; Cozy Bedroom Carpet Your Health ..........................................................23 Education is Key in Treating Kidney Disease Your Interior Design ...........................................27 Save Stress and Time with an Interior Designer Your Fun ..............................................................28 Your Outings .......................................................29 For the Love of Art in a St. Charles Park

Smart L iving ™

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Jermaine Pigee Editor Emeritus Janine Pumilia Multimedia Editor Sara Myers Graphics Director Samantha Behling Graphic Designer Ashley Smith Contributing Writer Paula Kalivoda Furniss General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Fort Wayne General Manager Sherri Cassedy Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Nita Lasky Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Distribution Kelly Fairbairn Published by Hughes Media Corp.

222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 lhughes@northwestquarterly.com Smart Living.

Copyright 2021 by Hughes Media Corp., 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

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New Beginnings

T

he signs of spring are finally here, and what a relief it is!

In this season of new beginnings, we introduce to you our first-ever Smart Living West Magazine, a publication designed to help you live smarter and better lives, while taking advantage of the many resources our corner of suburbia has to offer.

Each month, we’ll bring you practical, helpful stories about some of the things happening in your own backyards. Our cover stories will introduce you to fun events for your whole family, while our other sections – including Home & Garden, Kitchen and Health Care – will introduce you to practical advice from the experts. We’ll also bring you some words of inspiration and a helpful calendar highlighting particular activities you and your loved ones can enjoy during the month.

There’s a good chance you’ve seen our leading city/regional publication, Northwest Quarterly Magazine, floating around your favorite local merchants, or even your doctor’s office. Like its sister publication, which has been serving this region for 12 years, Smart Living West reflects our expertise and our passion for this special region in which you and I live.

In sharing the stories and expertise of our suburban neighbors, we’ll bring to your attention many smart, quality products and services for your home, your family, your health and your entertainment. Our sales team is always on the hunt for quality products and services that can enhance your life in many ways.

Reading through this issue, I’ve already found plenty of inspiration for our next family outing in Geneva or St. Charles. The kids can’t say no when I promise ice cream at Graham’s, a hike in the woods and a play date at Mt. St. Mary’s Park.

We hope you enjoy this debut issue of Smart Living West and find many ways to put it to work for you and your family throughout this beautiful springtime.

Chris Linden Executive Editor

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Your Remodel

Imagine Your Home Totally Organized

By Chris Linden, executive editor

C

lutter has a way of controlling us, especially these days as we spend more time at home. What if there were a way to not only tame that clutter but turn it into a showpiece?

It’s a reality for many homeowners, says Jamie Trewartha, co-owner of Closets by Design Chicago North. His team specializes in storage and organizational systems for every part of the home, and while closets are by far their biggest request, their work can be found most anyplace in the home.

Office spaces have been a hot commodity this year as children do remote learning and parents work from home.

A custom system that combines shelves, drawers, cabinets and desk space in a stylish finish accounts for a multitude of uses.

Multipurpose is the new buzzword, and it’s especially apparent in the garage, which is quickly becoming a secondary entertainment space.

Cabinetry, countertops and wall-hanging accessories get things organized, while a special DesignFloor system brings some color, fun and protection onto the floor.

“When people see it for themselves, they always say, ‘That’s what I want,’” Trewartha says.

(Closets by Design photos)

Jamie Trewartha

Paul Paluch

Customized storage systems are as varied as each client’s home, and with 25 color options at Closets by Design, the choices are endless. One of the most popular styles this year is the Brio textured white. It’s an all-white finish that has the look and feel of real wood.

The effect is alluring for a minor price increase, says Trewartha. New Bluetoothpowered LED options make it easier than ever to illuminate nooks and crannies.

Closets by Design has 25 experienced designers on staff, and Trewartha estimates they’re within a 15-minute drive of any home in the western suburbs. Their free consultation starts with a walkthrough of the space and includes measurements, a conversation about budget, a custom design and lots of recommendations. In one visit, clients can sign a contract and set an installation date, if they like.

The Closets by Design team puts a premium on customer service and ensuring each client is happy with the final results.

Because every system is custom-manufactured in the Chicago area, it’s easy to add shelving or other accesClosets by Design builds storage solutions for many spaces of the sories any time. home, including closets, home offices, mud rooms and pantries.

“My business partner, Paul Paluch, and I come from an environkeeping promises you’re making to them, ment where customer service is really imand making sure if there’s an issue with portant,” says Trewartha, who assumed anything we’re on it right away.” ❚ the 20-year-old franchise last spring. “We For a consultation, contact Closets understand the meaning behind getting

by Design Chicago North at (630) 501back to a customer in a timely manner, 0190 (mention SLK).

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Inspiration & Worship

The Psalms Journey

I

n the middle of the Bible is a collection of 150 psalms (sacred sayings) that offer a jarring roller coaster ride of human rantings directed toward God. Several authors wrote them over a period of about 1,000 years, starting in the time of Moses (1500 B.C.). King David penned about half of them. They were passed down through oral tradition before they were written down.

We gravitate toward the psalms that comfort us, the 23rd being a crowd favorite.

Many of them, however, were composed during times of anguish and deep disappointment with God. Feelings of abandonment, anger and frustration are laid bare; They’re both timeless and oddly familiar.

If we’re honest, all of us have experienced anger with God. We see Christians suffer hardship, oppression, sickness, death. We see evil prosper and ask why.

The psalmists’ emotional poetry helps us to know what a healthy relationship with God looks like, says author Philip Yancey.

By “peering over their shoulders,” we witness both their rantings and the ways they talk themselves down from the ledge. They breathe deeply and then state what they know for sure about God: He is good, wise, powerful, tender. They also acknowledge their own yearning for closeness with Him. The psalmists force themselves to recall the many times God rescued Israel from its self-inflicted messes. With hearts softened by memories of their own weakness, they regain some perspective. God is mighty; they are needy.

The psalmists find wonder in the starry skies and fertile earth. Their ranting turns to flights of joyous praise they can’t contain.

Yancey writes in “The Bible Jesus Read”: “The odd mixture of psalms of cursing, psalms of praise and psalms of confession no longer jars me as it once did.

Instead, I am continually amazed by the spiritual wholeness of the Hebrew poets, who sought to include God in every area of life by bringing to God every emotion experienced in daily activity. One need not ‘dress up’ or ‘put on a face’ to meet God. There are no walled-off areas; God can be trusted with reality.”

To experience Psalms is to fellowship with all who have ever struggled with, and – Janine Pumilia deeply loved, God. ❚ 14

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Theme Activities. Fireworks. Painting Parties. Open Markets.

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sculpture

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As spring emerges in the Fox Valley, the landscape of Mt. St. Mary Park in St. Charles presents a striking and engaging sculpture exhibition against the backdrop of nature’s seasonal beauty.

A Must See Experience!

MAY-SEPTEMBER

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Each annual exhibit offers sculptural masterpieces made from various mediums by artists from all over the country.

ALL YEAR LONG

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Enjoy 20 sculptures from the District’s permanent collection located at Baker Memorial Park, Delnor Woods Park, Fox Chase Subdivision (East Entrance), Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, Lincoln Park, Mt. St. Mary Park, Pottawatomie Golf Course & Pottawatomie Park.

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Right in Our Region

Spring for Family Fun Around Geneva

By Chris Linden, executive editor

S

pring is coming, but why wait until March 20 to emerge from our hibernation? After this long, hard winter it’s time to get a change of scenery.

The city of Geneva may feel familiar in many ways, but this charming community is full of surprises.

“Geneva has always been open for business, just in modified ways since COVID happened,” says Laura Rush, communications manager for the Geneva Chamber of Commerce. “We welcome everyone to come and experience Geneva again or for the first time.”

In these crazy times, businesses big and small are taking precautions to make sure their spaces are clean and people feel comfortable returning – even if that means a curbside pick-up.

Community events are a favorite in this city, and with a little creative

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adaptation the fun continues this spring.

When the Coffee Crawl returns April 10, it’s sure to be a sell-out event, says Rush.

Thirteen local businesses join in the fun and offer unique coffee creations. Buy an event ticket and enjoy as many cups as you can – and bring your souvenir Coffee Crawl cup, for fun.

“Let me tell you, if you’re a coffee drinker, this is a really cool thing for you,” says Rush. “We did a Cocoa Crawl with hot chocolate in December and we sold out. People are ready to get out and do things again, and we hope this will be able to kick things off right.”

It’s a big hope because the city’s annual Swedish Days festival – a celebration of the city’s deep Swedish heritage – is scheduled for June 22-27. While it’ll most likely look different from years past, Rush says it’ll remain faithful to tradition.

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Of course, Geneva remains open and inviting for day-trippers, too. The Geneva Chamber is a go-to stop for downtown maps and information to plan a day anywhere in Geneva.

Visit the area around Third Street and State Street (Illinois Route 38) and browse women’s fashion at Artemesia or find home goods at Haven Interiors, Geneva Design House and Cocoon. Stock up on sweets at Graham’s Fine Chocolates and Hey Sugar, and scout for unique antiques at the Berry House. When a bite to eat is in order, downtown restaurants are ready to go, including places like Patten House and FoxFire, a steakhouse on State Street that remained open for indoor dining all winter long.

“The City of Geneva assisted businesses in many ways, allowing outdoor seating for all restaurants who wanted it

Right in Our Region

and making Geneva a perfect place to dine al fresco,” says Rush. “Customers continued to come all year long and utilize options created by restaurants. Some shops bought outside heaters for those who waited in line. It was truly a group effort.”

Shopping aside, there are many attractions for the family.

Peck Farm Park, a 385-acre natural retreat, is open year-round, with several miles of hiking trails, a 19-acre wetland and an environmental educational playground. The 1869 farmhouse has an indoor discovery room for kids. Once it warms up, the butterfly house reopens to

the public, providing a chance to interact with hundreds of non-native butterflies.

Let the kids get out their wiggles at the Geneva Public Library’s brand-new digs. The children’s zone is filled with all kinds of books to check out, and the STEAM Station encourages younger children to develop their creative and literary skills on special monthly exhibits.

Warm days encourage lots of time spent at Geneva’s park spaces, including Wheeler Park, where you’ll find minigolf and disc golf courses. The Fox River Trail passes through downtown on its way from Wisconsin to south of Aurora.

Places like Mill Race Cyclery can help you to hit the trail or the water.

“Spending a day in Geneva isn’t nearly enough time to do it all, so spending the night at one of our three lodging establishments should be added to the list,” says Rush.

Herrington Inn & Spa takes advantage of its position along the river, in the heart of downtown, and it provides a lux-

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urious retreat. Oscar Swan Country Inn is set a few miles outside of downtown in an historic estate. Meals are served daily at this quaint bed-and-breakfast, where each room is lavishly decorated. The Comfort Inn & Suites is a AAA Three-Diamond hotel that’s also earned accolades from the likes of Trip Advisor. It’s located east of downtown and a stone’s throw from several attractions.

Who knows? You may just love it enough to set down some roots.

“Judging by the amount of people who have chosen to raise their family here – and many of them were raised here themselves – there’s proof that this is not only a great place to visit but also to live,” says Rush. “I feel fortunate to have lived here my whole life and I’m now a cheerleader for my hometown.” ❚ Drop in at the Chamber’s office, located at 8 S. Third St., Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pick up a visitors guide or get more information online at genevachamber.com.

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Your Kitchen

Set Apart the Kitchen with a Stone Surface

By Jermaine Pigee, managing editor

D

ave Hammerl has discovered many paths to success as president of Stonecrafters, in Lakemoor. But there’s one thing above all others that has helped this specialist in custom marble, granite and hard surfaces to stay in business for more than 25 years.

“You must take care of your customers,” he says. “You have to make sure you tell them the truth, and you have to tell them what you’re going to do and when you’re going to do it.”

Serving all of the Chicago area and beyond, Stonecrafters maintains a Lakemoor showroom and production center that’s filled with natural stone and quartz countertop products. The elegant, brightly lit showroom displays the latest trends and designs.

Stonecrafters carries more than 200 varieties of granite and quartz, each with its own benefits and design needs.

“It’s kind of like the anchor of the whole kitchen, believe it or not,” Hammerl says. “You prepare your food on it, it holds the sink, it holds the faucet and it holds the cooktop. The countertop is one part of the kitchen that’s used over and over again.”

Hammerl’s 14 dedicated workers are trained to value precision – an important consideration when preparing stone.

They’re aided by several cuttingedge tools, most notably computer-aided design (CAD) and digital templating, which uses a laser to create precise measurements and truly accurate installation dimensions. These tools can help to avoid common issues, such as a crooked cut or incorrect measurements – both of which can happen during a home remodel. Digital templating provides accurate and reliable measurements because it accounts for the exact conditions present.

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“The tools and technology that we’ve installed have made us jump three or four levels higher than most other companies out there right now,” Hammerl says.

“We’ve received some great feedback, and customers love the work that we do.

Communication and quality of work win every time.” ❚ Stonecrafters is located at 430 W. Wegner Road, Lakemoor, (815) 363-8730.

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Your Home

Make the Garage Functional Again

By Chris Linden, executive editor

Y

our garage is practically your front door. But it’s also one of the messiest and most easily forgotten spaces in your home. It doesn’t have to be that way.

Overhead storage maximizes wasted space, and wall-mounted systems make quick work of the remaining mess.

Garage Store, in East Dundee, specializes in Gladiator Garageworks, a storage system that includes cabinets, modular wall systems and tons of hooks for ensuring everything has its place. Because the brand is owned by Whirlpool, the line also includes refrigerators built especially for the extreme heat and cold of a garage. They blend right in with the built-for-tough metal cabinetry.

“You get what you pay for with the Gladiator product line,” says Jim Melchert, owner of Garage Store. “And what we like about it is wall cabinets can handle 300 pounds, and cabinets on

wheels are rated at almost 1,000 pounds.

Our product is good in mechanic shops, homes, just about any place.”

With a garage makeover comes a refreshed floor, and Melchert’s team specializes in durable, long-lasting polymerbased floor coatings. They come in many colors and applications, and they can range from a simple polish to a sleek floor that sets the tone for a man cave garage.

The process begins with a free consultation. Then, it’s time to design solutions that are on-budget and fit the client’s goals, whether that’s organizing the garage so it’s more functional or transforming it into another room of the house where you can entertain.

While it might be tempting to make this a DIY job, if you factor in labor, materials and time, the cost is roughly the same as a professional – and the quality and warranty are better, says Melchert.

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He usually budgets three to four days to install a concrete coating system. The first day involves concrete preparation and repairs, the second day is for applying the base coat and flake system, and the third day is for the finishing topcoat.

The final result is stunning.

“I understand the garage is sometimes not a high priority, but your garage is like a front door or entrance to your home,” says Melchert. “It’s best to have it organized and presentable.” ❚ Garage Store is located at 1082 Rock Road Lane, East Dundee, (847) 428-8862.

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Your Health

Education is Key in Treating Kidney Disease

By Sara Myers, multimedia editor

F

our nephrologists started Rockford Nephrology Associates (RNA) after seeing a specific need in their community. Twenty years later, the practice has five clinics serving northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.

The new Sycamore location is open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for new consultations and treatments related to kidney disease and interconnected conditions such as high blood pressure and electrolyte abnormalities.

“We are looking to introduce education classes there, as well, in 2021,” says Holly Curry, practice manager. “We’ve got a nice-sized classroom.”

Education plays an important role in helping those with kidney disease to manage their conditions. That’s why RNA provides a comprehensive program to help patients stay up-to-date. Seminars

help patients to learn about their treatment options, while the RNA nurse navigators help patients who are at the later stages of disease.

Patients can also take advantage of advanced options, such as a blood vessel map that shows Dr. Syed Ahmed (left) and Dr. Bindu Pavithran (right). where a permanent dialysis access might go. Nurses also can provide guidCrimson Ridge (Sycamore) and Sycaance on scheduling transplant evaluations more Dialysis units. and home assessments.

“We have been so invested in the At RNA’s Rockford Vascular Center, community for such a long time,” says patients can get help keeping their dialyCurry. “Because of our investment in sis accesses working well, managing anethe quality of care that we provide to our mia, treating peripheral arterial disease, patients, we’re really looking at joining and inserting hemodialysis and home with other like-minded nephrologists to dialysis catheters. have a voice for kidney patients across Dr. Syed Ahmed and Dr. Bindu the country.” ❚ Pavithran see patients in Sycamore, and Rockford Nephrology Associates’ they also serve as the medical directors new Sycamore location is at 2127 Midof the Davita Timber Creek (DeKalb), land Court, Ste. 102, (815) 227-8300.

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Your Home

Cozy Carpet Still a Favorite in Bedrooms

By Jermaine Pigee, managing editor however. Many newer carpets have petore people are using stylish hardproof backings that don’t allow urine to wood and luxury vinyl tile in their soak into padding and subfloors. Some living rooms, says Kevin Rose, owner of carpet is made from non-absorbent yarn, Carpetland USA, in Sycamore. But soft so spills can be easily cleaned without and cozy carpet isn’t leaving bedrooms leaving stains. any time soon.

No matter what type of flooring you “In the Midwest we still have our purchase, Rose recommends doing your frigid winters, and the warmth and comhomework first. fort of carpet as you step out of the bed “A common mistake that people in the morning is preferred,” Rose says. make is purchasing a product solely on Carpet also keeps the bedroom quieter. price and assuming it has a level of qualPlush pile and berber carpet styles ity that will sustain your living space,” are popular and are made from many Rose says. “You get what you pay for, as kinds of fiber. People who are more cauthe old saying goes. Our staff will explain tious when they walk may prefer shortthe pros and cons that suit your family looped berber for its firmness; others preand your home, not what suits everyone fer the luxurious density of pile carpet. else walking through the front door.”

For homes with kids and pets, Rose When shopping for flooring, derecommends flooring that withstands scribe your space to the salesperson helpmoisture, such as hardwood and laminate. ing you. What kind of traffic and moisYou don’t have to shy away ture conditions will the flooring need to from carpet if you have pets and kids,

M

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withstand? What styles appeal to you visually? What expectations do you have for the longevity of this flooring?

“Make sure your salesperson understands what you want and make sure they’re listening to your needs,” he says.

Carpetland USA has salespeople who thoroughly understand the flooring industry and can provide a great deal of assistance as you winnow down the options that satisfy your criteria. ❚ Carpetland USA is located at 1719 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore, (815) 895-2400.

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Your Interior Design

Save Stress and Time with an Interior Designer

W

hen you get down to it, interior design is really a personal thing. A good designer has your interests in mind and will make your home a reflection of your personality, says Jamie Leonard, senior designer at VID Lifestyle, in Elgin.

“Usually, clients start off with one room, and then you have this bright, shiny new room and that tends to make the rest of the house look older,” she says. “So, then you start to filter through the rest of the house over the years. You become partners and friends as you help them to re-dream their whole home.”

An interior designer can help with many tasks, and a designer like Leonard, who has a full-service studio behind her, can bring anything from a single-room redesign to ground-up construction.

Their biggest advantage is their ability to coordinate work and filter options.

Most designers have been in the field long

enough to know where to go and how to find products that fit the client’s budget and style, says Leonard. The result is less time and stress for the client.

Before hiring just any designer, be sure to do your homework. Look up designers who work in your area, and consider who speaks to your style.

Crunch some numbers, too, and understand what you’re willing to spend.

Then, leave some buffer room. An interior designer’s fees can range from $75 an hour to as much as $300, Leonard says, so it’s important to understand what that designer is willing to do for that rate.

Most designers will provide a free consultation, and it’s important to know that this meeting is all about building a relationship. Almost like a first date, this is the time to see if there’s a good fit. Ask what the designer will offer and consider what sort of relationship they have with

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(VID Lifestyle photo)

By Chris Linden, executive editor

other vendors – providers of furniture, decor and such. There’s a designer for every budget, says Leonard, so it’s important to have that conversation right away.

In the end, if it doesn’t seem like a good fit, feel confident in moving on, says Leonard.

“It’s not TV. It takes time, and it’s a process to get results,” she adds. “It’s a relationship, and we need to get to know each other.” ❚ VID Lifestyle is located at 2000 Fox Lane, Elgin, (847) 760-8206.

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Your Fun

Entertainment & Events

Due to rapidly changing conditions, call ahead to confirm event dates.

Family Friday - Spring is in The Air March 19, 2-3 p.m. Celebrate all things spring with crafts, stories and more. Reg. online. Gail Borden Library, Main Branch, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin, (847) 742-2411, gailborden.info.

Maple Fest March 20-21, Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Sun. noon-2 p.m. Ticketed entry on the hour. After a short presentation, hit the trails and see how maple syrup is made. Red Oak Nature Center, 2343 S. River St., Batavia, (630) 897-1808, foxvalleyparkdistrict.org.

Graphic Talk About the Universe - Virtual March 26, 7:30 p.m. Theoretical physicist Clifford V. Johnson breaks down complex concepts and scientific processes into graphic novel-type visual stories. Reg. online. Fermilab, Ramsey Auditorium, Kirk Road & Pine Street, Batavia, (630) 840-2787, fnal.gov/arts-lecture-series.

Eggs-traordinary Scavenger Hunt April 3-4, daily. See if you can spot all 24 brightly colored concrete eggs in Sycamore’s

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11 neighborhood parks and the Old Mill park.

Info: Sycamore Park District, (815) 895-3365, sycamoreparkdistrict.com.

Watercolor 2021 April 3-May 15, Wed.-Sun. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The annual exhibit features original works in waterbased media. Norris Cultural Arts Center, 1040 Dunham Road, St. Charles, (630) 584-7200, norrisculturalarts.com.

Plant-Based Nutrition April 7, 14 & 21, 7-8:30 p.m. Learn how plantbased diets can positively affect blood pressure, cholesterol and heart conditions. Gail Borden Library, Elgin, (847) 742-2411, gailborden.info.

Geneva Coffee Cup Crawl April 10, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sample unique coffee creations at 13 local businesses in Geneva.

Reg. req. Info/Tickets: Geneva Chamber of Commerce, 10 S. 3rd St., Geneva, (630) 232-6060, genevachamber.com.

Kane County Flea Market April 10-11 & May 1-2, Sat. noon-5 p.m., Sun. 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Dealers sell furniture, holiday decor, collectibles, antiques, more. Kane County Fair-

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Hunt for brightly colored concrete eggs hidden around Sycamore’s parks on April 3 and 4.

grounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles, (630) 584-6926, kanecountyfleamarket.com.

Classic Film Series: “Gone with the Wind” April 11, 2 p.m. Presented on 35MM film.

Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. 2nd St., DeKalb, (815) 758-1215, egyptiantheatre.org.

Learn from the Experts: Tiger Salamanders April 21, 7 p.m. A restoration ecologist explores this local species. Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, 3795 Campton Hills Road, St. Charles, (630) 513-4399, stcnature.org. ❚

Your Outings

s spring emerges in the Fox Valley, the landscape of Mt. St. Mary Park in St. Charles presents a striking and engaging sculpture exhibition against the backdrop of nature’s seasonal beauty.

Visitors of all ages and interests enjoy this free, outdoor art gallery nestled among the maples, oaks and pines of a shady arboretum and with the tranquil Fox River as its eastern border.

The park is home to 12 permanent pieces and another 10 to 15 sculptures in an annual exhibit that runs from May to September. Sculptural masterpieces are original works made in various media by sculptors from our area and all over the country.

Created from bronze, rusted metal, steel, found objects, scrap metal and more, each piece of art provokes an array of emotions that are as varied as the artist’s inspiration.

The winding path through the park offers perfect views of artistic diversity, whether you’re a walker, biker, jogger or inline skater.

Many families will spread out a blanket for a picnic and relax among the sculptures. The park also features a multi-use playground with high slide tower and flushable restrooms. The com- “Truth,” by Jane L. Davidson, is one of more than a dozen sculptures bination of these park ame- hidden around Mt. St. Mary Park in St. Charles. nities, the park’s natural subject matter and media for audiences to beauty, and the unique works of art crediscuss, think about and enjoy. Sculpture ates a relaxing environment for everyin the Park raises awareness of the one’s enjoyment. sculptural arts and the beautiful parks in As a joint project of the St. Charles downtown St. Charles. ❚ Park Foundation and the St. Charles Park Mt. St. Mary Park is located on PraiDistrict, the sculpture program strives to rie Street east of Ill. Rt. 31. Contact St. provide striking sculptural works with Charles Park District at (630) 513-6200. substantial breadth and depth in both

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(St. Charles Park District photo)

For the Love of Art in the Park A

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March 2021

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Smart Living Live

March 2021

To advertise call 815-316-2300