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Chicago Tribune
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Murals continue to pop up around Waukegan; ‘Another step in the cultural landscape of our downtown'
Raised in Waukegan, Burke Morrell remembers walking from Cooke Magnet Elementary School to the Waukegan Public Library on field trips. He first learned how to use a computer there, got books and it became an important part of his life. Now a professional artist living in Arizona., Morrell got the opportunity to return to his hometown and paint a mural on the west wall of the library. It depicts the value of the institution, piping plovers at the lakefront and another native who honed a thirst for reading there, Ray Bradbury. 'I wanted to show the peaceful, relaxing beach,' he said. 'It shows the girl lying there with books. I added dandelions as a tribute to Ray Bradbury,' he added, referring to the Waukegan-born author who read extensively at the library. Morrell is one of four artists completing murals in downtown Waukegan. The others are Stacy Wilcox, whose art is on City Hall; Everett Reynolds with work displayed at the Puerto Rican Society building; and Janson Rapisarda decorating the intersection of Lake and Genesee streets. City and library officials say the murals further demonstrate the city's effort to draw people to the downtown and lakefront areas. Rachel Cantin, a planner with the city overseeing the mural project, said the money comes from a $1 million grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for communities like Waukegan transitioning from the loss of a coal plant. Cantin said approximately $400,000 is allocated for public art, including the four latest murals, a number previously done throughout town and a few more projects to come in the future. The remaining $600,000 is being spent on lead pipe replacement. 'It helps support our arts community and brings visitors to the downtown area,' Cantin said. Art in downtown Waukegan is nothing new. Mayor Sam Cunningham said it is part of a longstanding tradition that also fits with his vision of rebuilding the city, particularly downtown and the lakefront. 'When we say we're an art and entertainment center, it goes back to when it started with Jack Benny and Ray Bradbury,' Cunningham said. 'This is another step in the cultural landscape of our downtown. We want to live up to that as we rebuild Waukegan.' With the completion of Morrell's mural, the library's exterior is now awash with murals. In November, the library unveiled murals by Gaby Escovar near the front entrance and the north side, which the artist dubbed 'a love letter to Waukegan.' Tiffany Verzani, the library's executive director, said the decoration of the exterior with murals containing messages about the community complements the message of the library. It shows inclusion and the faces of the city. 'We are very excited,' Verzani said. 'I love the dandelions for Ray Bradbury. The new mural brings us full circle, showing the programs at the library. The art gives a message of what is happening on the inside. We display art at the library.' When Morrell learned from his aunt, who lives in Waukegan, that the city was seeking mural artists, she sent him the information. He said he completed the city's application form and was awarded the commission. Cantin liked how well he followed his proposal. 'It was almost exactly what he proposed,' Cantin said. 'It really showed what Waukegan is about.' On the wall opposite the main entrance to City Hall, Wilcox's mural spells out Waukegan in large, bold letters surrounded by a palette of bright colors. Cantin, who works in the building daily, said, 'It was fun to see it come together.' Wilcox, a Lake County native who lives in North Chicago, said she, too, responded to the city's call for artists. She spends a lot of time in Waukegan, and had a good idea of what she wanted to portray. 'It was designed to celebrate Waukegan,' Wilcox said. 'I wanted to make it bright, colorful and vibrant. I wanted to show the colors of Lake Michigan, and the harbor and Waukegan's rich history. Its strength is in its diversity and the rich culture we have.' On the south wall of the Puerto Rican Society on Sheridan Road, just north of Belvidere Road, Cantin said the mural shows the history of the building as a one-time lighthouse. There is also a large Puerto Rican flag. Reynolds' work is not new to Waukegan. Cantin said his murals adorn the exteriors of Super Mercado Gonzalez on Grand Avenue, Oakdale Elementary School and other buildings around the city. Rapisarda is a Milwaukee artist commissioned to paint a mural covering the entire intersection of Lake and Genesee streets. Cantin said its 'bright colorful palette' is a work of abstract art, getting people's attention at the south end of downtown.
Chicago Tribune
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Waukegan library launches summer program; ‘A celebration of reading of all genres'
Now that the local school year has drawn to a close, the Waukegan Public Library moves into high gear with its summer reading program and a panoply of other events over the next three months, with many geared toward youths. Though the reading program is designed for all ages, library executive director Tiffany Verzani said that for young people it helps the youngsters keep their reading skills sharp while they are out of class during the summer months. 'It's important for kids and teens to keep reading poetry, graphic novels and the things they like over the summer after the school year,' Verzani said. 'Our summer reading program is a celebration of reading of all genres.' The library's summer reading program starts this week, giving people of all ages an opportunity to read library books or volumes from elsewhere, thus qualifying for raffle tickets and a prize. Continuing through Aug. 10, the reading program is one of several at the library this summer. Weekday free lunches start this week for those under 18 and run through Aug. 8, concerts begin on the first Friday in June and the annual used book sale takes place May 31 and June 1. Labeled 'Color Our World,' Claire Quin, the library's youth and teen services manager, said the reading program has three divisions. One is for all youngsters under 14, another for teens between 14 and 18 and the third for adults. The requirements are the same. Rubi Arreola, a youth services assistant, said each participant keeps a log to show what they are reading. Reading five books qualifies for a raffle ticket, where one person will get a $50 gift card. If they read a sixth, they get a second raffle ticket. 'They have to read or listen to five books,' Arreola said. 'Kids who complete the program get a box of crayons, teens get colored pencils and adults receive a colorful poster. They can read what they like, or we can help them find something.' Quin said there will be a kickoff party sponsored by the Friends of the Waukegan Public Library from 2 to 4 p.m. on June 1. Participants will be able to engage in a community art project, take pictures in a selfie booth and more. Quin said the program grows each year. Last year, more than 300 participated. During the school year, students in Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 receive free breakfast and lunch. In the summer, the library offers supplements to the school lunch program with meals, plus an activity. On Fridays, lunch moves outside with a picnic at the concert. 'We want to make sure the children have food security during the summer,' Verzani said. While the children are getting a free lunch at the concerts, Verzani said the Friends of the Library, who organize and fund the events, sell cookies and drinks. The music includes a wide variety of genres. Mary Rose Strubbe, a member of the Friends of the Library who organizes the annual book sale, said it takes place from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on May 31, and from 1 to 4:30 p.m. on June 1. The first three hours on May 31 are reserved for members of the organization. 'It's not a problem,' Strubbe said. 'You can join for $10. There are thousands of books, mostly gently used.' For those who want a bargain, Strubbe said people can fill a bag with books for $5. Bags will be available, but she urges people to bring their own reusable shopping bags.
Chicago Tribune
18-04-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Waukegan's Earth Week activities start Saturday; ‘This gives people a chance to do their spring cleaning'
Collaboration between the city of Waukegan and the Waukegan Park District for a river and ravine cleanup on April 5 officially made this Earth Month locally, but the city's annual Earth Week activities begin on April 19. Started four years ago when community members and city officials joined forces to arrange a week of events, Earth Week has grown to include hundreds of volunteers picking up trash around the city from the lakefront to each of the nine wards. 'Trash accumulates over the winter,' Mayor Ann Taylor said. 'Once the snow melts, it becomes more obvious. This gives people a chance to do their spring cleaning. It's had a snowball effect. Lots of people are now getting involved to make the city better.' The city's fourth-annual Earth Week opens Saturday with a recycling event at the Waukegan Public Library and continues through April 26, when hundreds of people will be doing a variety of projects throughout Waukegan to help the environment. Along with the recycling event on Saturday and next weekend's events around the city at the Waukegan Municipal Beach, the Waukegan Harbor & Marina and other locations, each ward has a designated day where they can bring unwanted items to a Dumpster that will be set out in their neighborhood. Ald. Lynn Florian, 8th Ward, helped organize the first Earth Week when local accountant Marty Wozniak suggested more activities around the city on the same day he led the spring rendition of his quadrennial cleanup of the Amstutz Expressway. 'Our ultimate goal is that we don't have to do this because everyone will dispose of their trash and help the environment,' Florian said. 'For the foreseeable future, this is a very good thing, and we're going to keep at it. It's great to see how many people get involved.' Opening the week, the library's Off the Grid team is conducting a free recycling event for paper and electronic waste between 1 and 3 p.m. Saturday in the parking lot behind the building near the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and Clayton Street. Christian Neighbors Church in Waukegan is organizing a volunteer effort bringing people from 14 churches and three other not-for-profit organizations together to fan out through the city collecting discarded items. 'It's a chance for people from different walks of life and different churches and other organizations to get to know each other and make the community better working together,' the Rev. Luke McFadden, the church's pastor, said. 'It's really overwhelming to see this happen.' McFadden said more than 250 people volunteered for the effort last year, and he expects more on April 26. They will gather at 8:30 a.m. in the church parking lot at 222 North County St., start going into the neighborhoods at 9 a.m. and finish with a lunch at 11:30 a.m. Lisa May, the city's lakefront coordinator, said she is expecting more than 100 volunteers from the American Place Casino and USA Bluebook for a beach cleanup from 10 a.m. to noon on April 26. May said a lot of trash accumulates at the beach over the winter. 'The wind blows a lot of trash into the dunes and tall grasses,' she said. 'It takes a lot of work to get the beach ready for summer, and my staff of Beach Rangers do not start until Memorial Day weekend.' Julie Ivic, American Place's director of communications and advertising, said this is the casino's second year of sending people to the beach and dunes. It is one of several ways the company helps in the community. Just south of the beach, between 50 and 150 volunteers — including a contingent from the Waukegan Police Department — will gather at the harbor for a cleanup. Robert Kutzler, the harbor's director of marketing and special events, said the effort has taken place for more than 25 years. 'We give them gloves, a picker and a garbage bag,' Kutzler said. 'When the bag gets full, they lay it down and the police pick it up. It helps keep the place clean, and it is good for the environment. Shelby McDonald, the Park District's director of marketing and community relations, said the organization also has Earth Month events scheduled throughout April. There are a variety of activities, including one where children in the Before and After School Experience get a tree to take home and plant. 'They are learning and doing something to reduce the carbon footprint,' McDonald said. Throughout the week, the Waukegan Public Works Department will take Dumpsters to locations throughout the city for people to discard trash. City workers will retrieve them to dispose of the items. Dumpsters will be in their location from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dumpsters will be at 8th and Adams streets in the First Ward, and at the intersection of Dugdale Road and Benny Avenue in the Second Ward on Monday. On Tuesday, they will be at 100 North Lewis Avenue in the Third Ward, and in the Fourth Ward between Butrick and Washington streets. On Wednesday, there will be a Dumpster near the intersection of Greenwood Avenue and Delaware Street in the Fifth Ward, as well as Hickory and Keith streets in the Sixth Ward. Dumpsters move to 1815 North Sheridan Road in the Seventh Ward, and 2255 West Yorkhouse Road in the Eighth Ward on Thursday. A Dumpster will be in the Ninth Ward at 2650 Belvidere Road on Friday. People cannot bring yard waste, liquids, tree trunks, concrete, brick, stone, rocks, hazardous waste, flammable materials, carpets, small engines, paint, stain or railroad ties to the Dumpsters, according to information on the city's website.
Chicago Tribune
13-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Waukegan library opening ‘makers space' for craft projects; ‘We identified this as a need'
People wishing to put their own design on a T-Shirt, sew a quilt, personalize a coffee cup, design a meaningful key chain or craft a plastic figurine on a 3D printer will be able to do it by this summer at the Waukegan Public Library's new 'maker space.' Though library Executive Director Tiffany Verzani said the new maker space will not have open hours staffed by library personnel until summer, there will be programs for the public — designed separately for children, teens and adults — starting in early March. 'People should look at our calendar and see what programs we are doing,' Verzani said. 'You can make toys, a vase, art, dice or a hinge for a cabinet on the 3D printer. You can find the (computer) program and our staff will make it for you.' Participants will be able to make their personalized tortilla holder at the initial maker space lab at 6 p.m. on March 5 on the library's lower level giving the public its first opportunity to try the new equipment. Along with the 3D printer, the maker space is equipped with a laser cutter to engrave acrylic, wood and glass, sublimation machines for putting designs on paper, canvas and other materials personalizing a drinking cup. A creative arts studio enables people to edit their photography, video and sound designs. There is a sewing machine and an embroidery machine, as well as a Cricut machine to craft silhouettes on vinyl, fabric or paper. 'It's used by card makers (and) scrapbook makers for embossing or stencils,' Verzani said. 'It's good for calligraphy.' Jennyfer Cordova, the library's communications and community engagement manager, said middle and high school students will have the opportunity to make a K-pop fun bag to carry memorabilia at 4:30 p.m. on March 10. Younger children from kindergarten through fifth grade will have their initial program at 5 p.m. on April 9. Rosario Colin, a youth services associate, said the youngsters will be doing Minecraft making ahead of an upcoming move. Registration is required for all maker space programs. 'They can make their own swag,' Colin said. Taxpayer money was not used to acquire the maker space equipment. Loretta Pable, the president of the Waukegan Public Library Foundation, said the needed $22,000 was raised at the library's 125th anniversary celebration last spring. Pable said libraries originally started because books were expensive and they gave people the opportunity to borrow, read and return them. As technology changed, libraries began lending movies and even computers. 'Books were the original technology,' Pable said. 'The maker space (equipment) is the newest technology. Other area libraries have maker spaces. We identified this as a need and decided to raise the money.' When scheduled hours start this summer, Verzani said people can design their project either using the laptop computers adjacent to the equipment or at home. Other than the sewing and embroidery machines, the execution of the project will be done by library staff. As library personnel were familiarizing themselves with the equipment Tuesday, Cordova was stitching a quilt together on the sewing machine, and Colin was embroidering a design. Colin said the machine prompts the user toward the completion of the design. 'It tells you what color thread to use, and how long it will take,' Colin said. 'It troubleshoots when something goes wrong. It comes with hundreds of images you can do. You can also design your own.' Those using the sewing machine need not worry about programming it. Cordova said people use it at their own skill level, or take the opportunity to learn how to do more sophisticated work. People from the library will be present at all times the maker space has open hours. 'You can make a quilt or clothing,' Cordova said. 'You can do garment repair, or even make your own clothes. You can make a baby blanket as a gift, sew a button or a ripped garment. A lot of people in the community do not have a sewing machine. They can learn to use this one.' Members of the public can create their own designs for a mug or T-shirt. With the machine warming to 400 degrees or the 3D printer hot enough to melt plastic, Verzani said trained personnel must operate the equipment. There are thousands of designs available online.
