A treasure trove of sculptures in Lincoln Park

by Michelle Stenzel

You may have noticed in the last few months that Lincoln Park, both the park and the neighborhood, has been flooded with new sculptures. There are new permanent sculptures installed as well as two temporary exhibits, adding up to a treasure trove of art. A warm November day is the perfect time to get out there on foot and on bike to enjoy these pieces.

"Fountain Girl" by George E. Wade has been installed in the southernmost part of Lincoln Park near the LaSalle Drive underpasses. Its original version was installed in 1921 but stolen in 1958, so it was recently replicated. In the background to the right is "Love/Embrace" by Leslie Bruning. (Photo: Bike Walk Lincoln Park)

This new buffalo sculpture looks very much at home next to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. Regrettably, I failed to take note of the name of the work and the artist. (Photo: Bike Walk Lincoln Park)

"Chicago Industrial" by Marshall Svendsen resembles an eagle in flight, and provides yet another item of interest for bicyclists on the Lakefront Trail to enjoy. (Photo: Bike Walk Lincoln Park)

"Surge" by Jaci Williams is installed along the Lakefront Trail just north of Diversey. (Photo: Bike Walk Lincoln Park)

"Stone Wobble" by Derick Malkemus is one of many sculptures installed along the length of the "Grandmother's Garden" part of Lincoln Park, near Stockton and Belden. (Photo: Bike Walk Lincoln Park)

"Prairie Pump" by Jason Verbeek is a massive piece that can be seen from the gravel path near the Diversey Driving Range. No, the thing that looks like a steering wheel is not in fact operable and does not swing the sculpture around.
(Photo: Bike Walk Lincoln Park)

Also, the door of "Brushy Mountain" by J. Taylor Wallace does not open. However, I'm happy to report that the little window hatch does open, and there's swirly reflective metal inside that reminds me of the underside of "Cloud Gate" a.k.a the Bean. Next time you're on the Lakefront Trail just south of the Diversey bridge, stop and have a look inside!
(Photo: Bike Walk Lincoln Park)

"Bountiful Bench" by ChrisTina Murphy is in the park near Clark and Armitage. (Photo: Bike Walk Lincoln Park)

Except for "Fountain Girl" and the buffalo, these works of art were all brought through two programs. One is the Chicago Sculpture Exhibit, which was begun in Lincoln Park by former alderman Vi Daley and has now grown to include sculptures in Lake View and Bucktown/Wicker Park as well. 

Map of works exhibited in Lincoln Park by the Chicago Sculpture Exhibit.  

The other installation is the Chicago Parks Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition, which includes 64 sculptures along the entire city lakefront. You can see a map of the locations and the names of the pieces here.
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