Benches Benches on on the the Avenue Avenue
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House Stark and House Targaryen
Artists: Dante DiBartolo, Allen Jebens, Tom Liston, Bob Renaud & Terry Nugent Sponsor: The Odyssey Location: Zabrocki Plaza “House Stark and House Targaryen” portrays a wolf and a dragon with the Ice Throne in between from the renowned television series Game of Thrones based on George R. R. Martin’s series of fantasy novels. But no spoilers here! The bench is made with wood carved to give a 3D effect and other woodworking effects. 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 engineer and amateur woodworker; and Terry is a retired engineer.
Ahab’s Doom
Artist: Marty Rose Sponsor: Robinson Engineering, Ltd. Location: Zabrocki Plaza South “Ahab’s Doom” honors Herman Melville’s classic tale of Captain Ahab’s relentless pursuit of the great white whale, Moby Dick. Ahab pursues the whale aboard his ship, the Pequod, across oceans. The captain lost his leg to Moby Dick in the past, so Ahab considers him a symbol of evil. About the Artist: Marty is a talented artist and writer from Tinley Park who has participated in the Benches on the Avenue program for many years. Love the Benches on the Avenue. So many talented people. ~ Tinley Park resident
Up
Artist: Nick Schulien Sponsor: Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. Location: Zabrocki Plaza North “Up” is a story about an unlikely friendship between Carl, a widower, and Russell, a boy trying to earn his final merit badge. To fulfill a promise he made to his late wife, Carl attaches thousands of helium balloons to his home. Russell accidently joins Carl and the two begin their journey to help each other find new happiness in life. The bench is made from plywood, Masonite, cloth, hose and other materials. About the Artist: Nick has lived in Tinley Park for over 65 years and enjoys participating in the benches program every year. With 35 years as an art teacher, he loves the challenges that come with the creation of the benches.
Treasure Island
Artist: Rick Villarreal Sponsor: IBEW Local 9 Location: 17313 Oak Park Avenue This is a twist on the classic by R.L. Stevenson. The artist took advantage of the pirate theme and ran with a classic skeleton pirate and flag. He also added some traditional tattoo themed waves and banner, along with a tattered map for the image on the bench. Final touches were the planters to mimic treasure chests with locks that kids can unlock as a surprise. About the Artist: Rick is a former ESPN artist for “His N Hers.” He also is the owner of Ricasso Art Works Tattoo Studio as well as being the lead illustrator for 321 Fastdraw.
Living as a Maze Runner
Artists: Alyssa Frankenfield & Victor J. Andrew High School Art & Woods Clubs Location: 17255 Oak Park Avenue “Living as a Maze Runner” is designed around “The Maze Runner,” a young adult dystopian science fiction novel written by James Dashner and the first book released in The Maze Runner series, although it is the third in narrative order. This bench is made out of paint, wood, chicken wire, spray foam, fabric and broom bristles. About the Artists: Alyssa is a proud student of Victor J. Andrew High School and is honored to participate in the benches program. She participates in many activities, but her main passion is using her creativity and imagination to create art.
A Fish Out of Water
Artist: Jennifer Lilly Sponsor: Hot N Juicy Crab Location: 17225 Oak Park Avenue In this story, a little boy gets a fish from a pet store. Mr. Otto, the store’s owner tells the little boy not to feed the fish too much. The boy doesn’t listen and the fish grows and grows. The firemen take the fish to the pool because it’s the only place big enough. The boy calls Mr. Otto, who comes to the rescue and makes the fish small again so the boy can take him home. About the Artist: Jennifer is an Oak Forest resident but grew up in Tinley Park. This piece is special to her because she read “A Fish out of Water” as a child and has since passed it down to her children. She takes pride in seeing people and families out enjoying all the artists’ hard work.
The Adventures of Paddington Bear Artists: Delaney & Kathleen Dillion Location: 17217 Oak Park Avenue
“The Adventures of Paddington Bear” depicts the classical fictional character in children’s literature, featured most recently in the 2014 film. Paddington is famous for his hat, secret suitcase, coat and love of marmalade. This bench is made out of canvas, foam, plywood, paint, fabric and Plexiglas. About the Artists: Delaney and Kathleen Dillon are two of Prairie View Middle School’s best artists. Delaney enjoys art, acting and track. Kathleen enjoys art, volleyball and basketball.
Hunger Games Trilogy
Artist: Jennifer Lilly Sponsor: Aurelio’s Pizza Location: 17226 Oak Park Avenue “Hunger Games Trilogy” depicts the main character from the books, Katniss Everdeen. Throughout her journey she endures many obstacles in the life and death games. She is forced to decide between life and love. This series of books - “Hunger Games,” “Catching Fire,” and “Mockingjay” - will keep you on the edge of your seat. The bench is made from plywood and other artistic materials. About the Artist: This is the 14th year that Jennifer has participated in the benches program. She really enjoys the challenge of bringing different characters and themes to life. Jennifer has created over 30 different benches.
The Three Caballeros
Artists: Guy Spalla & Victor J. Andrew High School Art & Woods Clubs Sponsor: The Spalla Family Location: 17208 Oak Park Avenue “The Three Caballeros” is a bench designed by a huge fan of Walt Disney. It tells the story of three friends who go on a magical journey full of singing, dancing and exploring. You can see the visual effects of the culture and feel the magic of the dance and song. About the Artists: Guy is a student at Victor J. Andrew High School and first-year artist designing a bench under the direction of Kerrie Klitz, art teacher. He had the help of his parents and the student volunteers of the art and woodworking clubs at the school.
Adventures in Wonderland
Artist: Cassandra Sheridan Sponsor: Gatto’s Restaurant & Bar Location: 17326 Oak Park Avenue “Adventures in Wonderland” shows several characters from the famous 1951 Disney film. Follow Alice down the rabbit hole as she encounters quite a few of the film’s characters. The bench is made from paint and glitter. About the Artist: Cassandra is a junior at the University of Iowa, majoring in neuroscience with a minor in psychology. Ever since she was a little girl she has been drawing and even considered attending art school. However, she choose to go into neuroscience because she felt you don’t need a degree to create art.
Dork Diaries
Artists: Girl Scout Brownie Troop 65430 Location: 17244 Oak Park Avenue “Dork Diaries” is based on the humorous children’s book series written and illustrated by Rachel Renée Russell. The series is written in a diary format, using drawings, doodles and comic strips to tell the story of Nikki Maxwell, a middle school girl. This bench is made from paint, spray paint, beads for jewelry for a 3D effect, and vinyl for book titles. About the Artists: A group of nine girls from Helen Keller Elementary school, who all have a passion and love for art, put together this design for their bench, along with their troop leader They will be able to earn a few badges, including their painting badge.
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Artist: Catherine Trezek Sponsor: IBEW Local 9 Location: 17316 Oak Park Avenue
“The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” is inspired by the American classic Mark Twain novel. Come share a seat on the raft and float down the Mississippi River with Huck, a boy, and his friend Jim, a runaway slave. The pair battle racism, robbers and life on the run as they journey to freedom. Everything comes alive with acrylic paint and wood cutouts. About the Artist: This is Catherine’s first year with the benches program. She is an artist and crafter with a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Xavier University. Also, she teaches art classes and volunteers as a member of the Frankfort Arts Association.
Narnia
Artists: Kathleen De Jong & Shelby O’Hara Location: 17322 Oak Park Avenue “Narnia” is designed around the main landmark in C.S. Lewis’ “The Chronicles of Narnia.” Be transported into the fantastical and magical world of Narnia as you take in this piece of art. This bench is made with wood and metal. About the Artists: Kathleen is a multi-media artist who wants to be a part-time illustrator someday. Shelby is a designer and an artist. My husband and I make a point every year to see the benches and walk along Oak Park Avenue. ~ Facebook post
Ready. Set. Color!
Artists: Sherrie Ordaz & Michael Woodman Sponsor: Ed & Joe’s Restaurant & Pizzeria Location: 17332 Oak Park Avenue This bench will keep you busy searching for hidden treasures through its coloring book theme. During the day or at night with 500 lights and glow-inthe-dark paint, you will be transported inside the pages of a coloring book. This bench is made with recycled jewelery, guitar strings, grocery bags and canvas for the tree and items hidden inside the bench. There is an extra seat built on the back to sit under the tree and dream. About the Artists: Michael and Sherrie are participating in their fourth year. Their combined talents consist of acrylic paint artist, illustrator, carpenter and luthier. From tattoo artist to musician, they find creativity in all types of art.
Dracula
Artist: Nick Schulien Location: Vogt Plaza “Dracula” illustrates the first and most infamous vampire from Bram Stoker’s historic horror novel. Here he is shown in the environment in which he brought fear into the lives of his victims. Perhaps the most notable vampire ever, he has spawned numerous theatrical, film and television interpretations. The bench is made from plywood, cloth, plastic and fear. About the Artist: Nick is a lifetime resident of Tinley Park and has been participating in the bench program for over 14 years. He is a retired art teacher and takes pride in bringing creativity to the community.
The Escape of the Nautilus
Artist: Kevin Johnson Sponsor: Odyssey Fun World Location: 17424 Oak Park Avenue “The Escape of the Nautilus” is a depiction from Jules Verne’s “Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea” as Captain Nemo’s submarine, the Nautilus, escapes from a giant squid. This bench is made using multiple levels of wood to give depth and detail. The bright and dark colors create a vibrant but eerie bench. About the Artist: Kevin graduated from Trinity Christian College with a degree in art. He uses his talent and creativity through his work in wedding videography, but his true passion comes from woodworking and building furniture is his free time.
Imagine Our Childhood
Artists: Hillcrest High School Art Society Sponsor: Payroc Location: 17432 Oak Park Avenue “Imagining Our Childhood” displays a variety of books that have had an everlasting impact on several of the students at Hillcrest High School. Truly, this bench represents the influence books have on our students’ imaginations. This bench is comprised of various found materials, including actual books. About the Artists: The Hillcrest High School Art Society is a group of students from various backgrounds who enjoy the camaraderie that the fine arts creates. This is their third year participating in the benches program.
The Giving Tree
Artists: Kerrie Klitz & Victor J. Andrew High School Art & Woods Clubs Sponsor: Aero Rubber Company, Inc. Location: 17500 Oak Park Avenue “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein is a classic children’s story and the inspiration for this bench. It features the famous “What can you give?” quote from the story that follows the lifetime of a man and his relationship with a tree. About the Artists: Kerrie Klitz is an art teacher at Victor J. Andrew High School and the Art Club sponsor. Adam Weis is an applied technology teacher at Victor J. Andrew High School and the Woodworking Club sponsor. The Art and the Woodworking Clubs worked together to create this bench.
The Great Holiday Bench
Artist: Tyler J. Stuckart Sponsor: Aero Rubber Company, Inc. Location: 17514 Oak Park Avenue “The Great Holiday Bench” is inspired by Charles Schulz’s “Charlie Brown and the Peanuts.” Every holiday season, we can count on these classic films to get us in the spirit. This bench is made out of plywood, lights and wire. About the Artist: Tyler spent some time in college studying art, but for the most part is a selftaught artist. He enjoys creating and bringing things to life. By far, his favorite way to create art is to sculpt and build designs by hand.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Artist: Bethany Nemec Sponsor: Tinley Park Park District Location: 17501 Oak Park Avenue “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” is based on the classic children’s book that has been loved for decades. Come along for the journey as our favorite caterpillar transforms into a beautiful butterfly. This bench is made from wood and a lot of paint to create a larger-thanlife bench for everyone to enjoy. About the Artist: Bethany is currently a manager at an arts and crafts store and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in interior design, truly surrounding herself with art. This is her sixth year as a bench artist; her first three were with her school’s design team, and the last three on her own.
The Big Friendly Giant
Artists: The Painted Turtle Location: 17459 Oak Park Avenue “BFG” is a representation of the novel by Roald Dahl with the same title and is inspired by the illustrations from the book. It depicts the Big Friendly Giant and Sophie as the pair travel along their journey. This bench is made with acrylic paint and wood and is designed with soft colors to pay homage to the iconic art style. About the Artists: This is the 3rd year that The Painted Turtle has participated in the bench program. It is an art studio for adults with intellectual disabilities based in Tinley Park. They are a group of local artists with an endless passion for anything creative and are very excited to be able to display their work in the community.
Gone Like the Wind Artist: Raye Ann Saunoris Location: 17401 Oak Park Avenue “Gone Like the Wind” represents the classic American novel “Gone With the Wind” written by Margaret Mitchell. Set in the South during American Civil War and Reconstruction, the novel follows the life of Scarlett O’Hara, the daughter of a plantation owner. It is one of the most prolific novels in American literature history. About the Artist: Raye Ann Saunoris is the owner of A Raye of Color, a wall, mural and painting business. She is a published illustrator who is married to her husband Kevin and is a mother to her two teenage sons, Beau and Bladen.
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 of Tinley Park • John Kasman and Bev Shatte of Aero Rubber Company for donating warehouse space to house the benches • Becky Nichols of Evon’s Trophies & Awards for donating and installing the plaques to identify the artists and sponsors
Meet the Artists and bench awards will be held at the Music in the Plaza on
Saturday, August 10, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Prizes will be awarded to the artists by a panel of judges in the following categories:
Most Creative Best Use of Material Best 3D Bench Judges Choice
Best Portrayal of Theme Best Group/Family Project Best First Time Artist
Winners will be announced at intermission of the concert.
Statues on
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!
Tinley Park Firefighters
sculpted by A. Joseph Kinkle The Tinley Park Fire Department was organized in 1901. 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. The base was designed and engraved by Maurice Moore Memorials. This tribute contains the names of all firefighters who served Tinley Park during the first 100 years, 1901 to 2001.
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. We also are reminded that the freedoms we enjoy came about because of the sacrifices of many and that it takes continued vigilance to stamp out hatred, fostering understanding and respect for all the peoples of this world.
the Avenue
First Star 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.
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. Another simple pleasure, reminding us that happiness doesn’t need to involve owning the newest, most expensive gadgets, whatever our age. 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.
sculpted by Dennis Smith Children, being shorter than adults, see a totally different world. It is probably part of why they love high places that will elevate them above their short world. 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.
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 wide and endless vision of a world filled with new things and endless places to explore.
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. It reminds us of the days you could find us outside, enjoying nature, a good book, and our animal friends.
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. In one arm she holds an infant swathed in a blanket, and with her other arm she holds the hand of a young girl with a crutch who is leaning against her. Alongside her is a steamer trunk. 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 for themselves and their families the promise of a better life.
These timeless statues and monuments on Oak Park Avenue add beauty and dignity to our town. Many of the statues typify what Tinley Park is all about – rich in family values, hometown warmth and pride in our neighborhoods. 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.
Branding and Tourism You’ve no doubt seen the Village’s new music brand splashed all across town. From the new “Life Amplified” slogan to the innovative logo, the Village’s new brand is everywhere. Heck, you’ve perhaps even shared a #LifeAmplified post on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram yourself! And while it’s true that music is in the DNA of everything we do here in Tinley Park, it’s only going to get better in the coming years as the branding initiative revs up in 2019 and beyond. The Marketing Department and the Village’s Marketing and Branding Commission made significant progress in 2018 on branding and tourism initiatives. Key highlights from last year include: • Village vehicles with new brand decals, including the senior PACE bus • Repainted water tower on 167th Street • “High Notes” brochure featuring the best of Tinley Park • New branded gear such as Frisbees, umbrellas, tote bags, beach balls and flannel pants • New posters that strengthen and support the brand • Street musicians at the Farmers Market • A second music stage at the Holiday Market • Branded signage at the Village Hall
In addition, other plans include: • Decorative crosswalks • Interactive public art • Mobile visitor information centers • More street artisans, musicians and buskers • Musical Chairs program • Banners • Community Profile brochure In 2019, the Marketing Department will be focused on Harmony Square, primarily with regards to developing the programming schedule and plaza operations and management plan. This 60,000-square-foot plaza will be located in Downtown Tinley.
NEW Musical Chairs Program
The Village will unveil the Musical Chairs program this year at businesses across town. With the assistance of amazing artists, ordinary wooden chairs will be transformed into colorful, family-friendly works of art and placed inside Tinley Park participating businesses beginning in August. These chairs will be rotated among the businesses so that customers will be able to experience many of these creative works of art.
Village of Tinley Park Jacob C. Vandenberg Mayor Kristin A. Thirion Village Clerk Trustees Cynthia A. Berg William P. Brady William A. Brennan Diane M. Galante Michael W. Glotz Michael G. Mueller
www.TinleyPark.org