Art in the City
Discover Mt. Vernon’s creative side with Art In The City—a vibrant celebration of local talent, public art, and community spirit. Explore nearly 20 sculptures located throughout town, along with unique installations and inspiring displays that bring our city to life. Whether you’re an art lover or just looking for something fun and different to do, Art In The City is the perfect way to experience Mt. Vernon’s culture, creativity, and charm.
Galaxy
Ray Katz Sculpture: "Galaxy", Painted Steel, 18'x19'x22.5', 2000, Purchased June 2008
DAR Women Veterans Statue
Don Morris: "DAR - Daughters of the American Revolution", Bronze Statue, 2011
The Illinois DAR want this monument "To honor all women veterans for their service to God, home & country." The likeness of Molly Pitcher represents the women veterans of the past and the likeness of Major Tammy Duckworth represents the service of women today. The bricks in the wall are inscribed with names of women who have served through out our country's history.
Folded Square Alphabet S
Fletcher Benton Sculpture: "Folded Square Alphabet S", Painted Steel, 2004
Lincoln as Lawyer
Alan Cottrill: "Abraham as Lawyer", Bronze Sculpture, 8.5' tall, 2008
This statue of Abraham Lincoln outside the Appellate Courthouse in Mount Vernon, Illinois commemorates Lincoln's visit to this courthouse in 1859 which at that time was the Illinois Supreme Court. He was representing his client, the Illinois Central Railroad and marks the last decision in which Lincoln was connected with as lawyer. The statue was sculpted by Alan Cottrill and dedicated in 2008.
Gorilla
John Kearney, "Gorilla", Chrome Car Bumpers, 1990
Chicago artist John Kearney (1924-2014) produced sculpture from car bumpers for almost thirty years. His early sculptures were created out of bronze and silver until one day, while sifting through a metal pile at a dump near his summer studio in Provincetown, Massachusetts, he came upon a stack of old car bumpers. Returning to his studio, he tossed the bumpers onto the ground and when the resulting jumble suggested a dancing figure, he immediately welded them into a ballerina!
As you gaze at Gorilla, look at the variety of shapes that Kearney has used: long and straight rectangles, squares, trapezoids, etc. Many of the shapes are unaltered, simply cut from the bumper, albeit many of the shapes are rounded and modified to fit a specific area or body part. Now study the gorilla's fingers, toes, and face. These features were created out of the bumper metal, but greatly manipulated for a more realistic depiction.
In addition to "Gorilla", Cedarhurst Center for the Arts is home to the nearly 80 acre Goldman-Kuenz Sculpture Park, featuring over 70 large scale sculptures. Details can be found at cedarhurst.org.
