Lake County Gazette

Next week, the City will begin the conservation and relocation process of "Miss Nitro," a monumental bronze sculpture that has been a fixture at the Highland Park Library for over 50 years. Designed by renowned American sculptor Peter Voulkos, "Miss Nitro" is considered one of the most significant pieces in the City's public art collection.

Since its installation in 1973, "Miss Nitro" has sustained surface damage from generations of visitors and lawn maintenance. The last restoration project, which included applying a black paint coating familiar to most residents, was completed in the 1990s. With the Highland Park Public Library poised to begin an expansion project, it is now time for the sculpture to receive conservation treatment before being relocated to its new home.

The multi-step conservation process will involve removing paint, deposits, and corrosion; cleaning the sculpture; applying a new black patina; and adding a protective wax coating.

During the week of May 12, a conservation firm will commence deinstallation at the Highland Park Public Library. This process includes:

- Professional art handlers working under an on-site art conservator's supervision to carefully disassemble the sculpture into individual sections for temporary storage and treatment.

- Temporary parking restrictions along Laurel Ave., allowing for staging a flatbed truck that will transport pieces of the sculpture to a City facility for storage until ready for reinstallation.

- Temporary intermittent sidewalk closures as crews use forklifts to move pieces onto the flatbed.

Visitors to the Library are urged to stay alert around work areas which will be cordoned off.

The City is collaborating with Arbor Terrace Highland Park on relocating "Miss Nitro" adjacent to the Blue House at Central Ave. & Deerfield Road. In this location, it will serve as a gateway landmark underscoring Highland Park's commitment to arts.