"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
You are invited to the unveiling of
Two Amazing Sculptures in the Village of Hazel Crest!
Join us at the Beautification Commission Open Lands Arboretum
Saturday, October 4, 2025, 11:30 AM
Location: 171st Place & Holmes Ave
Parking at the Police Station lot,
3000 W. 170th Place, Hazel Crest, IL 60429
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 HAZELNUT 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.
The Event: Oaks and Folks Gala
Refreshments— appetizers
Entertainment—music provided by Sense to Soul Music School
Brief artist talks/Q & A
Oak tree planting
Location
Open Lands Arboretum entrance—Gathering Space at
171st Place & Holmes Ave
Parking at Police Station lot, 3000 W. 170th Place, Hazel Crest, IL 60429
Event Schedule
11:30 am Opening remarks by Village Manager Dante Sawyer
Welcome from the Village President’s representative
11:45 am Introduction, Hazel Crest Open Lands by Marilyn Allen, Open Lands Chair
Karl Persons, Open Lands Coordinator, introduces Becky and Jamie Thomas
12:00 noon Overview of “Art in the Woods,” William G. Hill, Project Manager
12:15 pm Unveiling of Hazelnut Arch by artist Christine Perri—Artist Talk/Q&A
12:30 pm Unveiling of Cloudburst by artist Peter N. Gray—Artist Talk/Q&A
12:45 pm Oak Tree planting and Reception to follow
The Art and Artists
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.
HAZELNUT 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.
About
The Beautification Commission's "Art in the Woods" project at the Open Lands Arboretum is an exciting initiative designed to transform our community's landscape by blending art with nature. This project invites residents to participate in every step, from the design to the installation of a captivating collection of sculptures. These artworks will serve not only as visual focal points but also as catalysts for connection during community gatherings. Our goal is to create a vibrant space that fosters interactive and dynamic experiences, immersing community members in both art and nature.
Social Media
Website: yourhazelcrestopenlands – Hazel Crest Open Lands News and information blog
YouTube History of Hazel Crest: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1thiZ0veWK4
Questions?
Marilyn Allen, Chair, Open Lands Beautification Commission, marilynmallen@aol.com
Andre Lewis, Public Works Director, alewis@villageofhazelcrest.com
Karl Persons, Open Lands Coordinator, kjpersons@ameritech.net
William G. Hill, Project Manager, info@williamhillgallery.com
Alpha Bruton, Project Art Consultant, alphabruton@gmail.com
Peter N. Gray, Artist, https://www.metal-i-genics.com/
Christine Perri, Christine Perri Wood Sculpture
