Donor support helps Urbana Park District expand permanent sculpture collection

Many of the newly acquired sculptures will be featured during the Urbana Park District Jazz Walk on September 12.

Metro Services“With this new fund, we can purchase pieces outright, allowing them to stay in our community permanently.”

URBANA, Ill. (Chambana Today) — Thanks to generous private donations, the Urbana Park District has added two new sculptures by artist Jon Isherwood — After Giverny and The Gifting Angel — to its permanent collection at Meadowbrook Park. The acquisitions were made possible through the Robin Hall Fund for Public Art, established by the Urbana Parks Foundation in honor of the former park district Executive Director.

“Typically, artists loan the park district their works for temporary display,” said Kelsey Beccue, Development Manager for the Urbana Park District. “With this new fund, we can purchase pieces outright, allowing them to stay in our community permanently.”

Beccue explained that most sculptures displayed in Urbana parks are on temporary loan, usually for two years, though some agreements are renewed. However, because the artists retain ownership, these works can be removed when the agreements expire. The Robin Hall Fund now enables the district to secure permanent installations and sustain other arts programming such as the Youth Summer Theatre and Jazz Walk.

A recent gift from Chris and Jane Scherer to the fund also allowed the park district to acquire two additional sculptures: Yikes, currently on display at the Wandell Sculpture Garden, and Water, located at Crystal Lake Park.

Over the past few years, private contributions have helped the park district purchase several other notable pieces, including Two in the Hand, Continuum, Mr. Big Beetle Finds His Way, and Molecular Reflection.

“Public art enriches our community by sparking creativity and connection,” said Rachel Lenz, Executive Director of the Urbana Park District. “We are grateful to our donors for helping us grow our permanent collection and honor the legacy of Robin Hall. These sculptures not only beautify our spaces but also have a lasting cultural impact.”

Many of the newly acquired sculptures will be featured during the Urbana Park District Jazz Walk on September 12, giving visitors a chance to view them up close. For more information about the Robin Hall Fund for Public Art or to make a donation, contact Kelsey Beccue at (217) 367-1536.