The Oak Park Area Arts Council is at it again! The incredible “Off The Wall” mosaics are taking the summer of 2016 by storm with two ambitious projects on their agenda and Oak Park Apartments is thrilled to be the proud recipients of their first design!
In spite of the summer’s heat and humidity, 17 “Off the Wall” interns/senior apprentices, ranging in age from 16 – 19, came together to collaborate on this year’s two mosaic projects.
Camping out in the basement of another of Oak Park Apartments’ properties, theses teens worked through all the intricacies of what the mosaic project entails; hauling supplies, cutting tiles, design layout and configuration until they were ready for the real work – installation. With scaffolding up the group of teens worked diligently with each piece of tile, cementing it in place, grouting, washing and finally cleaning up – to complete the first of this year’s masterpieces (and it truly is!). Titled “Purple Dove”, and dedicated to the memory of the late, great Prince, OPA is proud to feature this work of art at our 814 South Austin Boulevard property!
With funding from the Village of Oak Park and some private donations, the “Off the Wall” project began employing teen artists over a decade ago to take on all aspects of the work involved in creating these cool public art mosaics. Master artist, Carolyn Elaine and assistant master artist, Debra Phelps, guide these interns through the creative process, providing a hands on learning experience that is one of a kind.
Many fabulous mosaics now adorn different areas of the Village as well as multiple Oak Park Apartments properties thanks to the effort of the Arts Council and this great summer project.
We applaud all for their efforts and stay tuned ….. project number two is underway!!!
