arts projects in gardens

Over the past several years a number of arts projects have appeared in gardens throughout Chicago. The Chicago Park District has a web page that highlights some art-themed shows that could be seen in gardens. That page was posted back in 2004, so some more recent installations can be found out in Chicagoland.

Here's a good article about the "Niki in the Garden" show that happened at the Garfield Park Conservatory show last year.

Further out in the Chicagoland burbs / north side, the Morton Arboretum and the Chicago Botanic Garden always have some kind of art mixed in with their foliage & flowers -- sculptures & installations. Last year the Morton Arboretum had a Patrick Dougherty installation called "Xanadu," which was pretty funky and quirky. Although it was called "Xanadu," it felt / looked more like a twigs & branches Hobbit mansion.

Suzanne Hanney's article entitled "Chicago West-Siders Work Toward Dream" provides a good overview of some history related to West Side property, and some projects that people are working on.

Back in Chicago proper, "100 Projects for Peace / Lot(s): Maypole Garden" is an interesting initiative which is one of many initiatives geared toward beautifying Chicago neighborhoods.

Alpha Bruton is a talented artist / educator / curator who lives in Chicago's West Side. Among her many creative projects are art installations in urban gardens. One trademark element of these projects are "Vibration Keys." She has directed projects that can be found in the Switching Station Artist Lofts backyard, at Jacob Beidler School/Community Garden, and other locations.