Hazel Crest Beautification Commission Open Lands Arboretum "Art in the Woods"

"Art is Business"  

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The Beautification Commission's "Art in the Woods" project at the Open Lands Arboretum is an exciting initiative that aims to transform our community's landscape by integrating art with nature. This project encourages residents to participate in every step, from the design process to the installation of a captivating collection of sculptures. These artworks will serve not only as visual focal points but also as catalysts for fostering connections during community gatherings. Our goal is to create a lively space that promotes interactive and engaging experiences, immersing community members in both art and nature.

Open Lands Arboretum invites you to the “Oaks and Folks Gala,” a celebration dedicating two nature-based sculptures commissioned by the Village of Hazel Crest. 

The 14-foot-tall Cloudburst metal Sculpture and the 10-foot-tall Hazel Nut Arch sculpture will make their much-anticipated debut to the public.  

Each sculpture incorporates elements inspired by the region’s natural beauty.  These artworks will serve as visual focal points and catalysts for connection in future community gatherings.

The sculptures mark the start of the Hazel Crest Beautification Commission Open Lands Arboretum "Art in the Woods" placemaking project, an exciting effort to transform our community's landscape by blending art with nature.

10-foot-tall Hazel Nut Arch sculpture

HAZEL NUT ARCH is a 10’-tall tree sculpture that incorporates Siberian Elms that grew in the arboretum and carved wood elements created in the artist’s studio, representing a human figure and aspects of the hazelnut shrub.  Artist Christine Perri is a wood sculptor whose work can be found in Chicago parks and the Forest Preserves of Cook County. 

Christine Perri, embellishing a wood sculpture seating element near Hazel Nut Arch

The 14-foot-tall Cloudburst metal Sculpture

Peter N. Gray Installation Day, October 1, 2025

CLOUDBURST is a 14’-tall metal sculpture in bright primary colors depicting three towers of raindrops emanating from three clouds onto the Open Lands CLOUDBURST is a 14’-tall metal sculpture in bright primary colors depicting three towers of raindrops emanating from three clouds onto the Open Lands Arboretum.  Artist Peter N. Gray owns Metal-i-Genics Studio, which creates designs and fabricates steel interior and exterior design elements, furniture, and sculpture for commercial and residential properties.  His large-scale public sculptures are in permanent collections of sculpture parks, public schools and colleges, and a CTA subway station.

Artist Peter N. Gray owns Metal-i-Genics Studio, which creates designs and fabricates steel interior and exterior design elements, furniture, and sculpture for commercial and residential properties.  His large-scale public sculptures are in permanent collections of sculpture parks, public schools and colleges, and a CTA subway station.