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HP150 Sculpture Unveiling

October 15, 2019 -- The HP150 Sculpture, "Ingress," and Sponsor Brick Unveiling will take place Tuesday, October 29 at 4:30 PM at the newly named Sesquicentennial Park at the intersection of Deerfield Road, Hickory Street, and Laurel Avenue. The event includes comments by Mayor Nancy Rotering and an Artist Meet and Greet with sculptor Michael Szabo, who created the commemorative piece. Parking for the event is available at Immaculate Conception Parish, 770 Deerfield Rd.

In 2018, the City’s Cultural Arts Advisory Group (CAAG) conducted a competitive solicitation for an outdoor public art sculpture to commemorate the City’s 150th Anniversary. The City moved forward with CAAG’s recommendation and commissioned a sculpture entitled ‘Ingress’ by artist Michael Szabo of San Francisco, California. Ingress was installed in August. Landscaping including the placement of the HP150 sponsor bricks will be completed in the coming weeks.

“We are grateful for the vision of the City’s Cultural Arts Advisory Group and artist Michael Szabo who have helped to create the newly named Sesquicentennial Park where residents and visitors may gather for years to come and reflect on this monumental year. The City is proud of its dedication to the arts and appreciates the opportunity to commemorate HP150 with an addition to the City’s expansive public outdoor art collection,” said Mayor Nancy Rotering. “We are pleased that commemorative bricks will surround this unique sculpture and thank our many donors who have provided support for our year-long celebration. These bricks will be a reminder of the many hearts and hands that provided support.”

Standing over 8’ tall and 24’ wide, Ingress symbolizes both a ribbon honoring the first 150 years of Highland Park and, from another angle, a gateway to the future. The design aims to create experiences of contemplation, curiosity, wonderment, and joy. The interior height of the arch is 7’, allowing people to experience the gateway by walking through and around the sculpture. The sculpture is fabricated from brushed stainless steel and rich patina bronze, durable and lasting materials, to help reflect the surrounding environment.

“The purpose of Ingress is to add to the prestige of the City’s art collection; engage imaginative interaction and reflection; attract and please visitors; contribute to the overall livability of the City of Highland Park; reflect on the innovative energies and creative values of the community; and consider the engagement of viewers who encounter the work in differing modes, including on foot, by bike, and in cars,” said Chair Cultural Arts Advisory Group Chair Cathy Ricciardelli. “The sculpture furthers the goals of the City’s Cultural Arts Plan, adopted in 2015, to make cultural arts accessible to all and to preserve and promote the artistic and cultural history of our community and our artists.”

Park benches have been donated by the Highland Park/Highwood Rotary Club and the Highland Park/Highwood Lions Club.

For more information about Ingress, the Sesquicentennial Park, or the unveiling event, please contact the City Manager’s Office at 847.926.1000. To learn more about the City’s sesquicentennial celebration, please visit www.cityhpil.com/HP150.