ALONG THE FOX

By Chris Walker

You can find more than nature’s art along the Fox River Trail, and there’s plenty to look at if you find the right places. Check out these public art installations and art galleries near the gorgeous Fox River.

116 Gallery

Located at 116 W. Main St. in the MixologySalonSpa building in downtown St. Charles, this gallery fuses Chicago-based, national and international artists with eminent and emerging local talent. New exhibits pop up every couple of months. Closed Mondays. Open 10-6, Tuesday-Friday, 10-3 Saturday and Sunday.

Batavia Riverwalk

There are three impressive sculptures here, including Roger Brodin’s “Batavia Protector,” Gary Price’s “Circle of Peace” and Kai Schulte’s “Give It A Twirl.”

Batavia Public Library

Just a hop, skip and a jump from the Batavia Riverwalk at 10 S. Batavia Ave., you’ll find another creation of Schulte titled, “Chapter One,” which now adorns the wall at the top of the stairs to the lower level. In addition, the library has art on display and features an Art Gallery on the main level where local artists can find a home for their work on a monthly basis.

Of course, no trip to this library is complete without stopping to see Gary Lee Price’s life size Mark Twain sculpture and bench that greets you near the entrance.

Gallery 28

Of course, there’s art in the historic district of downtown Geneva, such as here in a historic Victorian home at 28 N. 4th St., Geneva, where both fine and functional art are on display. Don’t forget to meet gallery dog Watson when you drop in for a visit.

Proud Fox Gallery

Located not too far from the Fox River trail in Geneva, this gallery at 213 W. State St., Geneva, is currently hosting an art fundraiser for the children of Ukraine. This gallery also features a mix of artists including Geneva’s very own Michael Cane.

Sculpture In The Park

Located along the west bank of the Fox River in downtown St. Charles at Rte. 31 and Prairie St., this collaboration between the St. Charles Park Foundation and the St. Charles Park District helps raise awareness of the sculptural arts and the beautiful parks in downtown St. Charles. Pedal in and enjoy this free exhibit from MaySeptember that features original and unique sculptures.

Mt. St. Mary Park is also home to some amazing artistic creations year-round, including Bruce Niemi’s “Interim X,” Ray Kobald’s “Nice Pear” and Pokey Park’s bronze sculpture of a frog, “I’ve Been Kissed,” among others.

ST. CHARLES PARKS

You can also find art at Baker Memorial Park, Lincoln Park, Pottawatomie Park, Delnor Woods Park and the Fox Chase subdivision east entrance in St. Charles. Howard Russo’s “Framework of a Donut,” is a healthy respite from your trek on the trails, but nowhere near as delicious as the real thing.

ST. CHARLES PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT

In addition to books and other media, you’ll find one of the largest permanent art collections on display at 1 S. 6th Ave. here in the library. Media of many different types are included. In addition, since 1979, the creations from local artists are displayed through a community artist gallery program.

ST. CHARLES RIVERWALK FOX

Near Pottawatomie Park in St. Charles is the stunning dinosaur-like fox sculpture from St. Charles artist Joe Gagnepain. Constructed out of recycled bicycle parts, what better art to stop and enjoy while out on a bike ride?