Lake County Gazette

Courtland Commons, located in downtown Mundelein, is set to house a newly commissioned sculpture, courtesy of the Mundelein Arts Commission. The project is expected to be completed by summer 2024.

The Mundelein Arts Commission (MAC) has collaborated with Meg White from Lawler-White Sculpture Studios in Stephenson, Kentucky, to commission the new sculpture for the park currently under construction, as per a press release from the Village of Mundelein. The park's completion is also slated for summer 2024.

According to the same press release, the proposed sculpture will depict a large-scale human hand in an outstretched and slightly cupped position to suggest a caring presence. White was initially approached in 2021 about creating an interactive piece that would invoke feelings of community and support. She subsequently developed a clay model of her proposed art installation.

The sculpture, according to another press release from the Village of Mundelein, will measure approximately 6 feet wide and 3½-feet tall and will be carved from Indiana limestone. It is designed not only as an art piece but also as functional seating. Furthermore, it will be constructed such that rainwater runs off its palm. The carving process for this piece is estimated to take between 12 and 16 months.

Courtland Commons encompasses an 8-acre detention pond installed in 2020 as part of a flood control project, as stated in another press release from the Village of Mundelein. Since its installation, it has evolved into a diverse ecosystem supporting wildlife, vegetation, birds, and insects. Various improvements have been made over time including the addition of a gateway entrance, planters, benches, a paved area for performers, decorative lighting among other elements. Public art had been considered throughout the park and along the walking path.

According to yet another press release from the Village of Mundelein, the parks' Pollinator Garden will be the home of the sculpture. The garden was installed at the north end of the park in 2023 by the Mundelein Beautification Committee and a team of volunteers.

The total cost for commissioning the piece is estimated to be $18,500, as stated in another press release from the Village of Mundelein. MAC plans to fund this purchase entirely from its annual budgets without seeking additional assistance from the Village Board or drawing funds from the Kracklauer Fund for Public Art.