Englewood Sculpture Park Opens to the Public

Three formerly vacant lots in Englewood have been transformed into a new destination for public art and community connection.

The Englewood Arts Collective officially opened the Arts Village Sculpture Park Sunday near 63rd and May streets. The semi-permanent outdoor space features sculptures, murals and areas designed for performances, creative programs and neighborhood gatherings.

The grand-opening celebration included live music, youth drumming, art activities and the unveiling of several public artworks. Chicago singer-songwriter Meagan McNeal was among the performers welcoming visitors into the new space.

One of the featured installations was Stories of Us, a traveling collection of artist-designed drums that explores American history and community experiences through art.

Englewood Arts Collective Director Janell Nelson said the organization hopes to use art as an economic driver while improving the quality of life for people who live in the community. The park also gives South Side residents another place to experience arts and culture without having to travel downtown.

The sculpture park represents the first physical home for the collective’s Arts Village initiative, which previously operated through pop-up exhibitions, markets and cultural events.

What was once unused land along 63rd Street is now a place where Englewood’s creativity can be seen, heard and celebrated.

That’s a South Side transformation worth making some noise about. BOOM!