Artist Reception At West Englewood Branch Library
Lindsay Coleman
Published: March 19, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 17, 2011
Meet local artists Ian Weaver and David Philpot at a Public Art/Artist Reception on Saturday, March 26, 2011, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m., at the Chicago Public Library West Englewood Branch, 1745 W. 63rd St. The free reception, presented by the Chicago Public Library and the City of Chicago Public Art Program, offers Englewood community residents an opportunity to talk to the two gifted artists about their life and work. Weaver and Philpot have each created works of art as part of the City’s Public Art Program for the West Englewood Branch Library. The artworks are on permanent display at the branch facility.
Artist Ian Weaver’s Barack Obama and The Principles of Courage and Hope (2009) reflects the artist’s interpretation of the vital qualities (courage and hope) that are present in the U.S. President, as well as the many West Englewood Branch patrons living in the community. Within these works, Weaver uses the West African Adinkra symbols to represent hope and courage, combined with the use of traditional Kente fabric to show the strong connection between President Obama and Chicago’s South Side community.
Artist David Philpot’s three intricately hand-carved walking sticks, Essence of the Universe (1991) and two untitled works (both, 1997), symbolize African culture and include references to leadership, power, community and values of the family. The unique design of each call to mind the physical support needed by some members of the community, as well as the emotional support needed by all community residents. A life-long resident of the Englewood community, Philpot recognizes that this quality of support is inherent in the West Englewood Branch itself with its collection books, technology and other multimedia resources that help better-educate community residents and create future leaders.
In 1978, the Chicago City Council approved an ordinance stipulating that a percentage of the cost of construction or renovating municipal buildings be set aside for the commission of purchase of artworks for those buildings. The City’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, administer the Percent for Art Ordinance and, in cooperation with other city departments, works with prospective artists to provide municipal facilities including libraries, police stations, senior centers and outdoor sites with relevant, high-caliber artwork.
The Chicago Public Library continues to encourage lifelong learning by welcoming all people and offering equal access to information, entertainment and knowledge through materials, programs and cutting-edge technology.
The Chicago Public Library is comprised of the Harold Washington Library Center, two regional libraries and more than 70 neighborhood branches. All locations provide free access to a rich collection of books, DVDs, audio books and music; the Internet and WiFi; newspapers and magazines; sophisticated research databases, many of which can be accessed from a home or office computer. Each location continues to serve as a cultural center, presenting the highest quality author discussions, exhibits and programs for children, teens and adults.
The Harold Washington Library Center, Carter G. Woodson Regional Library and Conrad Sulzer Regional Library are open 7 days a week, the branch libraries are open 6 days a week and patrons can access all of the Library’s collections online 24 hours a day. For more information, please visit the website at chicagopubliclibrary.org or call the Chicago Public Library Press Office at (312) 747-4050.