Last month, the Midwest Artist Initiative and the City of Highwood launched Benchmark 2, its second public art display of decorated park benches throughout the city. The project aims to bring more art installations to the streets of Highwood and select benches will be auctioned off at the Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival in October.
The Midwest Artist Initiative, an artist collective based in Highwood, was founded by brothers Kevin and Tim Loesch, along with Joel Morgan. The nonprofit organization partners with charities to create themed art shows offered throughout the Chicagoland area.
The new benches replaced weathered ones from the first Benchmark event in 2002, which was founded by Joe Davis and Lenny Innocenzi. The original project saw success in its two-year duration, creating communal spaces for visitors and residents.
A panel of judges from the city, Celebrate Highwood and the Midwest Artist Initiative received more than 40 submissions in April as a response to a public call-out to artists, but eventually narrowed the selection down to 17. The “Future Artists of Highwood,” students from Oak Terrace School, Northwood Junior High School and Highland Park Montessori Connection, decorated the remaining three benches.
The benches were unveiled on June 18 at 3 Barrels Studios, inside the Highwood Metra Station. The event featured a meet and greet, where visitors could speak with the artists and view their additional pieces. The benches will remain at this location until mid-July.
Benches selected by the City of Highwood’s Appearance Review Committee will remain permanently throughout Highwood’s streets and parks. Those remaining will be up for auction Sunday, Oct. 9 at the 8th annual Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival. Proceeds will benefit Make-A-Wish Illinois.
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