Newspaper Article following announcement at the Chamber After Hours Event
The saying in Illinois is "knee-high by the Fourth of July."
In Mendota, a public art display will depict a 68-by-20 foot ear of fresh golden corn.
The work of art will measure 1,280 square feet and will be comprised of 31 full-color, hand-painted aluminum panels (4-by-10 feet) that will be anchored to the southernmost silo on the Northern Partners Cooperative property in downtown Mendota.
When installed, the top of the corn will be 80 feet in the air. The bottom of the ear of corn will start above ground level for optimal viewing of the art from a distance, including the downtown area and along the Amtrak train line.
Mendota Mayor David Boelk noted the artwork, named “Mendota Gold,” is a positive way to showcase civic and community pride and a creative way to spur tourism, according to a press release issued by the city.
“You’ll see this artwork traveling through Mendota by train or car and it’s sure to create interest for people to spend time in our city,” Boelk said in a press statement.
“Mendota has a great agricultural background and what better way to display our hometown pride and heritage than a giant work of art that will amaze everyone coming to and through town and help to promote tourism within our region,” said Jesse Arellano, executive director of the Mendota Area Chamber of Commerce, in a press statement. “We also are very excited that Mendota will have the first silo with public art in the Silo Pathways Project.”
"Mendota Gold" is the first art installation on a silo for the Silo Pathways Project, according to Chris Coughlin, president of North Central Illinois ARTworks. The group was responsible for the Vintage Mural Wall in Streator's Heritage Park.
“The Silo Pathway is a new and exciting program that North Central Illinois ARTworks established to support the development of large works of public art throughout our region,” Coughlin said. “We believe public art will enhance our communities and attract visitors who will discover our towns, villages and countryside.”
Coughlin said the artist, Ray Paseka, already is fabricating and painting the panels in his studio/workshop in Mendota, with a team of talented local artists. He plans to install the colossal ear of corn on the Northern Partners silo later this summer.
“This project will be hugely colorful and visually positive,” said Paseka, installation creator, artist and owner of Westclox Studios in Peru. “The natural brightness of these colors will be very eye-catching and memorable. Artwork on this level will leave a lasting impression on many people.”
Paseka said he and his engineers will anchor the 1,280-square-foot art to the silo and use products that will preserve and protect the image from the elements for decades.
Steve Villegas, director of energy for NPC, said the cooperative is excited to be included in this creative project and proud to display the art at its Mendota facility.
“We look forward to many generations coming to see the art that celebrates our agricultural heritage and future,” he added.
Mendota City Clerk and Economic Development Director Emily McConville announced the “Growing Mendota Gold Fundraising Campaign,” noting the city has received pledges and donations totaling 42 percent of the $50,000 goal.
The campaign is to help fund the project, including lighting, signage and video documentation of the project. Donations may be made at nciartworks.com/silo-pathways or by mail to NCI ARTworks, P.O. Box 1251, LaSalle, IL 61301.
