RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the Chicago Sculpture Exhibit was founded in 2001 as the Lincoln Park Community Art Initiative by former Alderman Vi Daley as a new way to beautify the neighborhood; and,
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of this important milestone by the Honorable Thomas Tunney, Alderman of the 44th Ward; and,
WHEREAS, the Chicago Sculpture Exhibit is the only fully independent non-profit program within the city that provides free public art by working with a variety of donors and sponsors; and,
WHEREAS, for the past 20 years the Chicago Sculpture Exhibit has grown from just eight sculptures in its first year to an average of 50 per year presently; and,
WHEREAS, the geographic scope of Chicago Sculpture Exhibit has branched out from its starting place in Lincoln Park to encompass neighborhoods across Chicago, with the intention of reaching all 77 in the future; and,
WHEREAS, the Chicago Sculpture Exchange issues a "Call for Artists" each year and a jury comprised of influential leaders throughout the city selects new artwork for placement in the spring; and,
WHEREAS, the presence of public art in neighborhoods has been shown to provide many real-world economic benefits to communities and mental and physical benefits amongst residents; and,
WHEREAS, the Chicago Sculpture Exhibit has provided a free way for the public to enjoy the art from sculptors from across the world in their neighborhoods; and,
WHEREAS, the Chicago Sculpture Exhibit has provided a way for those vulnerable to the virus known as COVID-19 a way to safely enjoy art during its 20th anniversary year; and,
WHEREAS, as part of its 20th anniversary celebrations, the Chicago Sculpture Exhibit has established an annual award named for Richard Howard Hunt the most prolific African American sculptor in modern times and a Chicago native; and,
WHEREAS, the first Richard Hunt award was given to Gwen Yen Chiu for her sculpture "Thought Vortex" a sculpture about her "reaction and ...
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