Crochet Mural for ArtPark - Waukegan
Donation protected
ArtPark - Waukegan
26 years ago, Waukegan Artist Jim Harrington created the Waukegan ArtPark to brighten up a dark alley in downtown Waukegan. 3 years ago, that original ArtPark was surrounded by four buildings that were slated for demolition. We were left with no options but to save as many plants as we could, as well as most of the art in the park before demo crews came in. By July 2021, the buildings were gone and the land was flat. We were still recovering from the loss but were optimistic about the future considering that we were invited to come back and bring life to the even bigger lot.
After over a year of planning, meetings, and delays, we finally began redeveloping the ArtPark in October 2022. We were able to get the walking path and 2 of the main flower beds carved out. The thumb sculpture was set in place and the new ArtPark letters were created and installed. It was so exciting to finally take steps to bring the park back to life and to begin recreating the fun, calming atmosphere that the original ArtPark had.
This year, we have 3 new art projects and a continuation of our landscape development as we work towards our Grand Opening this May. That list of projects includes two murals, one of which will be composed of crocheted granny squares.
Our ArtPark officers and crocheters came together to develop an idea, design, and plan to create what we believe will be the first crochet mural in Waukegan(correct us if we’re wrong). With the help of community volunteers, we will be creating three 8ft wide by 15ft tall flowers inspired by the large tulips that once sat in the front of Jim Harringtons ArtPark. As pictured, we will create a blue violet(the state flower), dandelions to pay homage to Ray Bradbury’s Dandelion Wine, and a rose to represent the love and community in Waukegan. This grand pixel art project will be made out of 731 6in by 6in crocheted granny squares.
We are asking for your help to fund this project. We have a projected cost that comes out to about $600. This cost includes skeins of yarn, crocheting tools(for crochet workshops), and installation hardware. We hope to begin working on this project by the end of February, with April 30th being the estimated completion date. The mural will be installed on May 13th, prior to our grand opening later in the month.
We hope that you’ll help us out as we work to take ArtPark to the next level in Waukegan’s Arts & Entertainment district. Whether it’s $5 or $50, we appreciate any and all support for ArtPark and its projects. If we hit our fundraising goal, we will announce the crochet workshops soon after. If you’re a local “experienced” crocheter that’s interested in volunteering, feel free to reach out to be a part of this project!
Thank you, Lake County. We hope you join us on this journey.
26 years ago, Waukegan Artist Jim Harrington created the Waukegan ArtPark to brighten up a dark alley in downtown Waukegan. 3 years ago, that original ArtPark was surrounded by four buildings that were slated for demolition. We were left with no options but to save as many plants as we could, as well as most of the art in the park before demo crews came in. By July 2021, the buildings were gone and the land was flat. We were still recovering from the loss but were optimistic about the future considering that we were invited to come back and bring life to the even bigger lot.
After over a year of planning, meetings, and delays, we finally began redeveloping the ArtPark in October 2022. We were able to get the walking path and 2 of the main flower beds carved out. The thumb sculpture was set in place and the new ArtPark letters were created and installed. It was so exciting to finally take steps to bring the park back to life and to begin recreating the fun, calming atmosphere that the original ArtPark had.
This year, we have 3 new art projects and a continuation of our landscape development as we work towards our Grand Opening this May. That list of projects includes two murals, one of which will be composed of crocheted granny squares.
Our ArtPark officers and crocheters came together to develop an idea, design, and plan to create what we believe will be the first crochet mural in Waukegan(correct us if we’re wrong). With the help of community volunteers, we will be creating three 8ft wide by 15ft tall flowers inspired by the large tulips that once sat in the front of Jim Harringtons ArtPark. As pictured, we will create a blue violet(the state flower), dandelions to pay homage to Ray Bradbury’s Dandelion Wine, and a rose to represent the love and community in Waukegan. This grand pixel art project will be made out of 731 6in by 6in crocheted granny squares.
We are asking for your help to fund this project. We have a projected cost that comes out to about $600. This cost includes skeins of yarn, crocheting tools(for crochet workshops), and installation hardware. We hope to begin working on this project by the end of February, with April 30th being the estimated completion date. The mural will be installed on May 13th, prior to our grand opening later in the month.
We hope that you’ll help us out as we work to take ArtPark to the next level in Waukegan’s Arts & Entertainment district. Whether it’s $5 or $50, we appreciate any and all support for ArtPark and its projects. If we hit our fundraising goal, we will announce the crochet workshops soon after. If you’re a local “experienced” crocheter that’s interested in volunteering, feel free to reach out to be a part of this project!
Thank you, Lake County. We hope you join us on this journey.
Organizer
Austin Cantu
Organizer
Waukegan, IL