It’s been a good year for Chicago sculptor Josh Garber: a 2011 recipient of the prestigious Pollack-Krasner Foundation Grant, Mr. Garber also travelled with his work to participate in Art Miami and is featured in a recent Chicago Gallery News article highlighting local art collectors (his work can be seen in the the photo at top-right of PDF).
Although his 2007 “Hope and Renewal” sculpture for the Kimball Brown Line Station elicited some controversy when first installed (as public artworks often do), CTA riders and passerby seem to appreciate the utilitarian benefit of outdoor seating provided by the sculpture as well as admire the aesthetic appeal it lends to this busy and somewhat dreary intersection.
The two 10-foot flower like pieces which symbolize growth, optimism and unity are now an important fixture in the diverse landscape of Chicago public artworks that include Picasso, Miro, Chagall and the many contemporary public artists selected to beautify Chicago’s public transportation stations through our Arts in Transit program, funded by the Federal Transit Administration and coordinated locally through the City of Chicago’s Department of Tourism and Culture.
Mr. Garber works out of his studio in the Cornelia Arts Building and you might see him at work during one of our regular open house events. Go to www.JoshGarber.com for more information about Josh Garber’s work.
Featured image at Top: Bloom, aluminum pipe and bar, 7 x 11 x 8in. © 2010 Josh Garber