Mini Leaning Towers coming to Niles
Mini versions of the Leaning of Tower of Niles are set to appear around the village this summer as part of a public art campaign.
The village of Niles, in partnership with the Niles Chamber of Commerce, is seeking local artists to use the 6-foot-tall fiberglass replicas as their canvases. At least 17 statues are slated to appear this summer outside or inside the Niles businesses that have sponsored them.
“Basically it’s a Cows on Parade-type program,” said Katie Schneider, community engagement coordinator for the village of Niles, referring to the popular 1999 public art initiative in Chicago that covered the city in more than 300 uniquely decorated cow statues.
The goal is to display the Leaning Tower statues throughout the year and give the public an opportunity to visit each one, Schneider
said.
“We certainly want people to go around town and see them,” she said. “Obviously, the tower is iconic for Niles. It’s unique to Niles and it’s a symbol of our community pride as well.”
Applications for interested artists can be found on the village of Niles website at vniles.com.
Artists of any ability are welcome to submit a design, Schneider said. The deadline to submit a design is June 1.
Selected artists will receive a $400 stipend once the piece is complete and reimbursement for supplies, up to $100, will be provided, according to the village.
Alicia Bermes, executive director of the Niles Chamber of Commerce, brought the idea for the public art project to the village and the Niles Public Arts and Culture Advisory Council.
“It’s to get art out into the public,” Bermes said. “The arts council has a mission of getting art into the public and this also helps promote our businesses. If someone drives past a business and sees a leaning tower outside, they might stop in.”
Bermes said she expects the completed towers will begin appearing on display in late July or early August. There are 17 that currently have sponsors, she said.