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2022 Benches on the Avenue

ANIMAL ADVENTURE

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Take an afternoon and visit the 2022 Benches on the Avenue, “Animal Adventure,” showcasing animals of every kind. Scan the QR code to hear from the artists or watch an interesting animal video. Starting at Zabrocki Plaza, follow the map north down Oak Park Avenue.

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Many thanks to the following contributors, without whose help this project would not have happened: • Our generous sponsors for their financial support of this project • Each and every artist who generously shares his or her time, incredible talent and creativity with the residents and visitors to the village • John Kasman and Bev Schatte of Aero Rubber Company, Inc. for donating warehouse space to house the benches

IT CAME FROM THE SEA

Created by Angela Simpson, Mike Schultz and Family Sponsored by International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers - Local 9 This bench uses mixed media and is inspired by the giant octopus, which can grow to 15 feet across and are incredibly intelligent. They’re even able to solve puzzles! In addition to having nine brains and being masters of disguise, they’re also mascots of the steampunk world. About the Artists: Angela is an electrician at Ford Chicago Assembly Plant and a member of UAW Local 551. Mike is a tattoo artist and also does airbrushing and mural work. This is Angela and Mike’s fourth bench together.

THE DOG WALKER’S DAY OFF

Created by Nick and Jennifer Schulien Sponsored by Ed & Joe’s Restaurant This bench features many kinds of dogs and uses felt, real dog collars, glass, carved wooden pieces and real dog leashes. This is the perfect place to rest when you’ve been walking all day and you’re just dog-tired! About the Artists: Nick and Jennifer are a father/daughter team who both have backgrounds in art. They have been creating benches for 18 years and have made nearly 100 benches in total between the two of them.

SAVANNAH CATS

Created by Samantha Cook and Marty Rose Sponsored by Avocado Theory This bench features three fierce faces: a lion, a tiger and a puma. It’s constructed of wood, fiberglass and foam/papier-mache. Approach with caution! About the Artists: Samantha uses a wide variety of mediums in her creative processes. Art has always been her passion. Marty enjoys art as a hobby, both visual and literary compositions. He has participated in the benches project almost every year since its inception.

MADAGASCAR

Created by Alexander Howard and Blake Kitching Sponsored by Robinson Engineering, Ltd. This bench, created using computer-aided design software, depicts characters from the 2005 animated film “Madagascar.” Grab some popcorn and check out this star-studded bench! About the Artists: The Draw is a digital fabrication company founded by Alexander Howard and Blake Kitching to utilize their talents of digital fabrication and fine arts, respectively.

WELCOME TO BORNEO

Created by Cody Heiden and Jaun Lopez Sponsored by JR Technology This bench is an interactive, educational introduction to the Borneo rainforest that incorporates realistic depictions and fun facts about the native wildlife there. It’s constructed of new and recycled wood and metal, metal primer, wood stain, acrylic and spray paints, solar-powered LED lights and more. Travel to Borneo without leaving Oak Park Avenue! About the Artists: Cody is a Tinley Park resident. As a craftsman, he wanted to apply his passion and creative skills to something that brings beauty, wonder and education to the community. Cody is an animal lover, nature enthusiast, avid painter and creative wood and metal art worker. Jaun is a very talented metal artist that operates “JLS Scraps Metal Art.”

ARCTIC ADVENTURE

Created by Maura Eaton and Melody Bayer Sponsored by More Liquor This bench features an arctic scene with northern lights and many underwater and ice animals. It was made using paints, 3D elements, vinyl and spray/splatter paint. Come hang with orcas, narwhals, polar bears, penguins, walruses and more! About the Artists: Maura and Melody are a mother/daughter team who are creating their very first bench together. Maura loves to craft, and Melody loves to draw. They hope you enjoy their bench!

SWAMP LIFE

Created by Michael and Griffin Trapp Sponsored by CCC Holdings, Inc. This bench depicts the swamp habitat, including frogs, fish, crawdads and dragonflies. It’s made of wood, wire, papier-mache, cardboard and plastic. Do you wanna get swamped? This is the bench you’re looking for! About the Artists: Griffin is an investigative journalist who until recently had been working to expose the truth behind Tinley Park’s benches. A strange rearrangement of circumstances has now landed him in the ranks of the bench-makers, leading to a dramatic reversal of his purposes. He is proud to contribute to this local tradition, and Michael Trapp is the father of this impressive young man.

WOODLAND READING ADVENTURE

Created by Tinley Park Public Library Teens Sponsored by Friends of the Tinley Park Public Library This bench is primarily made of plywood and acrylic paint and features animals reading their favorite books on a nice day in the forest. Many of the titles featured are some of the most popular books for children at Tinley Park Public Library. See if you can spot your favorites! About the Artists: The bench was painted by a group of very talented local teens: Eleanor Barrett, Veronica E., Grace Garrity, Jade and Samantha Jeffries, Lucy K., Jillian P., Sara S. and Mark S. The teens gathered at the library to help create the library’s first bench. Young Adult Librarian Clarice Pelczarski created the design and supervised the painting, and the carpentry elements were constructed by Facilities Manager Bob Serafino.

ANIMAL PARADISE

Created by Rick and Lucas Villarreal Sponsored by Marquette Bank Lucas Villarreal, 9, came up with the idea for the bench and helped his father, Rick construct it using plywood cut to shape and stacked to create a 3D look. The eagle’s wings move, as do the elephant’s ears on the back. It’s an animal overload! About the Artists: Lucas Villarreal likes Minecraft and Roblox. He also enjoys creating comic books for his friends featuring his original character, Catman. His father, Rick worked as an artist on the ESPN show “His and Hers” and is owner/artist of Ricasso Artworks Tattoo Studio.

WADDLE I DO WITHOUT YOU Created by Matt Olson Sponsored by Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. This bench has a stylized, geometric penguin motif with 3D models inspired by the artist’s daughter’s love of the “underwater flyers.” The bench uses fine-flake glitter, spray paint and plywood. Waddle on over and make a few feathery friends! About the Artist: Matt is a freelance artist who concentrates on murals, portraits, graphic design and custom art. He’s excited to share his creative passion with his daughter Natalie, who helped direct him to create the project depicting her favorite animal.

JOURNEY INTO THE DEEP

Created by Veronica Arreola Sponsored by Abendroth Accounting & Tax Service, Inc. The 3D shark comes right at visitors on this bench, which features seaweed made of fabric for a life-like effect. The sea turtles also are 3D, and there’s even real sand. Grab your scuba gear and dive in! Just watch out for those jaws. About the Artist: Veronica is a freelance artist. She does murals, custom pinatas and wood cutouts for yard/room decorations. This is her third year participating in the program.

OCEAN ANIMALS

Created by Jaclyn Reidy Sponsored by International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers - Local 9 This bench depicts animals of the ocean. The front features a large-scale cutout of a sea lion against a seascape background. Other animals include a dolphin, an orca and a sea turtle. The primary medium is acrylic paint. Stop by and “sea” why this bench is so awesome! About the Artist: Jaclyn is an artist in Orland Park. While working full-time at Amazon, she pursues art on the side, primarily painting and drawing. This is Jaclyn’s third year participating in the benches program.

DANCING DOLPHINS

Created by Catherine Trezek Sponsored by ATA National Title Group This bench shares a moment with three dolphins playfully leaping into the air, all having fun on a sunny day complete with calm waters, blue skies and a small island. The bench uses acrylic paints and wood cutouts for a 3D effect. That’s one deserted island we wouldn’t mind being stranded on! About the Artist: Catherine is a working artist with a Bachelor’s Degree in fine arts, mostly working in oil paints, painting portraits and nature. She enjoys sharing her art, exhibiting in local galleries and being involved in various art groups.

GREAT BARRIER REEF

Created by Katie Broadwell Sponsored by Kevin McCarthy, Attorney at Law This bench is a depiction of the beautiful Great Barrier Reef, which is home to thousands of animals. Unfortunately, climate change has had an impact on the reef, but we can all help preserve it by making a conscious effort to reduce our carbon footprint. The bench is made of acrylic paint and papiermache. About the Artist: Katie is a lifelong resident of Tinley Park. She’s a stayat-home mom to three beautiful children, but was previously a science teacher.

HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT

Created by Amy Frale and Carla Zidek Sponsored by CNB Bank & Trust, N.A. This bench features a chameleon lizard sitting on a branch, surround by lush vegetation. It was constructed using canvas, wood, flex seal, wire, plastic bugs and paint. The artists added movement by using garden flower stakes for the eyes and bugs on wires that move with the wind. The stuffed 3D chameleon is colored with holographic paint that changes colors in the sunlight. Stop by and blend in! About the Artists: Longtime residents of Tinley Park, Amy and Carla are friends and coworkers at Millennium Elementary School. Amy received her BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and Carla attended the American Academy of Art. This is the third year they’ve contributed a bench.

I LIKE BIRDS

Created by Nicole Simpson Sponsored by Arsenal Hair Salon This bench features an arch with birds attached and is made of painted wood, wire and stained glass. Painted birds on the bench seat and flower boxes complete the scene. Make sure to check out the back of the bench, which includes info sheets on the featured birds and even QR codes to sound files so you can hear what each one sounds like! About the Artist: Nicole is a janitor by night and sleeps all day! She loves to craft and try new art forms. She’s helped her mom, Angela with benches in prior years and always wanted to do one herself.

UNDER THE SEA

Created by Delaney and Kathleen Dillon Sponsored by The Odyssey The main feature of this bench is its giant blue whale, which is a painted wood cutout. There is a light source at the top and colorfully painted coral at the bottom, with cartoon fish on the flower boxes. Life’s just better down where it’s wetter! About the Artists: Sisters Delaney and Kathleen are both sophomores at Andrew High School. This is their fourth year participating in the Benches program, and the third doing a bench together. Delaney likes to play badminton and run cross country and track; Kathleen loves playing volleyball.

CORAL REEF: COLORFUL OCEAN HOME

Created by Dante DiBartolo, Allen Jebens, Tom Liston, Bob Renaud, Terry Nugent and Neal Keselica Sponsored by Aero Rubber Company, Inc. This bench depicts several brightly colored salt water fish swimming near coral and seaweed. It’s constructed of plywood, cedar boards and paint. Leave your fishing pole at home – these critters can’t be caught! About the Artists: Dante is a freelance painter and sculptor; Allen is a retired educator; Tom is a retired chemist and amateur woodworker; Bob is a retired environmental engineer and amateur woodworker; Neal is an amateur woodworker; and Terry is a helper who provides moral support.

PANDAS IN THE PARK

Created by Devin Parker and Family Sponsored by Tinley Park Park District This uplifting bench shows a happy family of pandas at play. The black-andwhite contrast of the panda’s fur against vibrant green bamboo leaves and natural wood help it stand out. Pandas symbolize peace and friendship, making this the perfect bench to sit and chat with friends! About the Artists: The Parker Family is new to Tinley Park. They are an artistic and musical bunch who love self-expression and community. Father and lead designer Devin Parker is a graphic artist, musician and tattoo artist who had help on the bench from creative directors Penny, Luna and Riley Parker, as well as Nicole Russell.

PAINTED TURTLE

Created by Jennifer Bullard and The Painted Turtle Students Sponsored by An English Garden Flowers & Gifts This bench depicts a giant turtle constructed of wood, paint and glass. The flower boxes have images of the turtle’s underside and the backs of their shells. The bench seat is painted to look like water. Emerge from your shells and come out to see this fantastic bench! About the Artists: The Painted Turtle is a nonprofit art studio for adults with disabilities in Tinley Park. Painted Turtle artists attend and learn all about art and earn 100% of profits from the sale of their artwork.

DANCE OF THE HUMMINGBIRDS

Created by Stephanie Joy Bekovic Sponsored by Tinley Court Senior Living This bench uses vibrant colors that are contrasted by bold, black outlines and uses latex paint, polyurethane and plywood that was cut with a scroll saw. The artist strove to evoke a sense of wonder in adults and children. You won’t need binoculars to watch these birds! About the Artist: Stephanie is an artist that enjoys working in a variety of mediums, from painting to digital artwork. She enjoys sharing her love of art through teaching, commissioned work and gallery exhibits. Her artwork draws inspiration from things that bring her joy.

WEDNESDAY’S MORNING

Created by Tim O’Brien Sponsored by Bremen Animal Hospital This bench uses fiberglass, paint and plywood to depict a large black and white cat reclining on a red cat bed. Visitors can even sit in the cat bed for pictures! It’s a purr-fect spot to rest and relax. About the Artist: Tim has always loved to draw and spent many years at the Art Institute of Chicago. He’s a carpenter and does tattooing as often as possible.

Statues on the Avenue Our village welcomes all of you to take the walking tour along Oak Park Avenue and see the wonderful bronze sculptures we have on display. A special thanks to Emily Zabrocki, former first lady of Tinley Park, for her assistance in selecting the bronze sculptures and for writing the descriptive narratives.

Home Delivery

sculpted by Blair Muhlestein

Home Delivery transports us to an earlier time, much like the buildings that we see from the plaza. Here we see a young man, taking pride in his bike and his delivery of papers. Many of us remember the responsibilities of the papers delivered on time, as well as the drudgery of getting up early and facing those bad weather days!

Long May It Wave

sculpted by Blair Muhlestein

Three children recreate the battle-weary flag-bearer and fife and drum players of the Revolutionary War as they play. This sculpture takes on added significance as we remember the events of September 11, 2001. We continue to take pride in our flag and what it symbolizes and remember to rejoice in our freedoms as Americans.

The Good Book

sculpted by Mark Lundeen

This sculpture captures the bond between the old and young. Many of us remember a grandmother, favorite aunt, neighbor or friend reading to us as we sat enjoying not only the story, but the sense of sharing and love that brought us together.

First Star

sculpted by Dennis Smith

In First Star, a father, rooted as an observatory, scans the dusky sky of a summer day, searching for that first evening star, creating for his daughter a vision of a broad universe beyond anything her young mind can yet imagine.

Tinley Park Firefighters sculpted by A. Joseph Kinkle

The design of this statue was selected to depict those early days, a firefighter called to duty with a look of determination and concern to handle the task at hand. This tribute contains the names of all firefighters who served Tinley Park during the first 100 years, 1901 to 2001.

Twist in Time

sculpted by James Haire

Here we see a young boy enjoying a fine summer day on a rope swing beneath the branch of a favorite tree. Most of us remember the joy of feeling the wind brush across our face as we swoop up and down, up and down, higher and higher on the swings of our youth.

Heading Out

sculpted by Dennis Smith

Heading Out is an image about beginnings. Think about the mind and vision of a child; the trial and error—the pure work that accompanies the task of learning to walk. Beyond the falls, the bumps and bruises of the effort, finally those first steps take form and the child heads out into the world.

Dorothy and Friends sculpted by Phyllis C. Beattie

This sculpture was originally commissioned to memorialize Dorothy Vogt, who was a community leader and volunteer in Arapahoe County, Colorado. It depicts Mrs. Vogt as a young girl, doing what she loved best, reading with her dog in the park.

Tender Touch

sculpted by George Lundeen

Tender Touch is a life-size sculpture of a young woman dressed in period clothing from the turn of the century. This woman stands between Fulton House and the train station and brings to mind the early settlers who underwent difficult journeys and untold hardships to find promise of a better life.

SUMMER

LiFE

AMP LiFiED

Downtown Tinley Block Party Saturday, July 16 2:00 - 10:00 PM Sunday, July 17 12:00 - 7:00 PM Oak Park Avenue Train Station Lot

“Animal Adventure” May - October

Along Oak Park Avenue

173rd Street to Zabrocki Plaza Enjoy this two-day event featuring live music, rides and attractions, food and beverages, and family fun!

Farmers Market

June 4 - October 15 Saturday mornings 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Oak Park Avenue Train Station

Music in the Plaza

7:00 - 10:00 PM | Select Saturdays Oak Park Avenue Train Station June 11 June 25 July 9 July 23 July 30 August 13 August 27 September 10

Benches on the Avenue

Cruise Nights

The Blooze Brothers Hillbilly Rockstarz Boy Band Night Libido Funk Circus ARRA Rod Tuffcurls and The Bench Press Student Body American Pie

MUSIC IN THE PLAZA

PRESENTING SPONSORS Tinley Park

June 7 - August 30 Tuesday nights 5:00 - 8:00 PM

Along Oak Park Avenue