St. Charles welcomes visitors to annual Sculpture in the Park event

The landscape of Mt. St. Mary Park in St. Charles will present - for the 4th consecutive year - a natural backdrop for a sculpture exhibition heralding the coming of spring.

Downtown St. Charles Partnership's Sculpture in the Park event will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday, April 22, with the installation of 12 sculptures. The event coincides with Earth Day, and the public is invited to enjoy the inspiration of the outdoors surrounding the artwork.

The 12 custom-designed sculptures in various media will be arranged in the 28-acre park along the west bank of the Fox River. The juried sculpture exhibition in 2007 was a Top Three Finalist in Lt. Governor Pat Quinn's Awards for Excellence.

"We're honored to have the opportunity to share the original works of these very talented artists, and a highlight of the event is seeing how much the public enjoys it," said Jim Breen, executive director of the St. Charles Park District. "As guests have commented in the past, the sculptures are each so vastly different, visitors will be able to experience a range of style and expression, all in a natural setting."

Park district personnel will install the individual sculptures, some of which are free-standing, while others will be pedestal-mounted. Sculptures range in size, with the largest approximately 15 feet high.

"Again this year, the selection committee has done an excellent job in creating an exhibition with a wide appeal," said David Richards, executive director of the Downtown St. Charles Partnership. "They placed more emphasis on larger, more durable pieces that are a great fit in the park's 28-acre expanse, while also selecting pieces in a wide range of media, including brass, steel and wood. The combination of these unique works of art, complemented by the park's natural beauty, will create a relaxing environment for everyone's enjoyment."

The St. Charles Park District is a co-presenter of the Sculpture in the Park with the Downtown St. Charles Partnership and its Design Committee. Last year's 6-month exhibit helped draw more than 8,000 visitors to the park.

The public is welcome and encouraged to visit Mt. St. Mary Park during the installation to get a sneak peek at this year's sculptures, all of which are for sale.

The mission of The Downtown St. Charles Partnership, a nonprofit organization, is "to enhance the economic viability and to preserve the character and beauty of downtown St. Charles."

For more information about the Sculpture in the Park exhibit, other events or for volunteer opportunities, visit dtown.org or call (630) 513-5386.