A new LED light exhibit will illuminate the Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Ave., for a whole year beginning September 23. Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago Park District General Superintendent/CEO Michael P. Kelly made the announcement about the temporary art installation earlier this month.
“As part of the Chicago Cultural Plan, we’ve successfully brought a wide variety of public art pieces directly into Chicago’s neighborhoods so that residents in every zip code have the opportunity to experience art and culture,” Mayor Emanuel noted in a statement. “Garfield Park Conservatory has long been known as a Chicago cultural anchor, and this interactive art installation will underscore the Conservatory’s cultural legacy while engaging residents in new ways.”
The Chicago-based Luftwerk Studio will produce the exhibit, which will include a series of light installations and a sculpture – called solaris – that “will highlight the Conservatory’s historic architecture and acclaimed plant collection,” according to the statement. The interactive exhibit will feature a series of immersive lighting installations in four of the facility’s display houses.
The installation is being funded by a grant from ComEd and Exelon and is scheduled to begin and end on this year’s and next year’s autumnal equinox.
“Exelon and ComEd are proud to support this dynamic new exhibit at the Garfield Park Conservatory. The creative use of light and energy aligns with the innovations taking place in our business,” said Chris Crane, Exelon’s president and CEO. “We support a wide variety of educational initiatives in the city, and the STEM programming tied to this exhibit will help prepare the city’s youth for future careers in energy and other science-related fields.”
“We are extremely excited for the solarise installation to come to the Garfield Park Conservatory, said Kelly. “This is a continuation of the Park District’s efforts to bring public art and culture to neighborhoods throughout the city.”
The Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance, the conservatory’s nonprofit partner, will create instructional programming that incorporates STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) education.
The Garfield Park Conservatory is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with evening hours extended to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays. Admission and parking are free.
Fore more information on the exhibition, click here.
