2023 Summer Art Exhibit: "Happy Together"

Professional and amateur artists will design and paint 30 colorful friendship benches for display on the sidewalks in front of La Grange businesses as part of an annual public art exhibit that kicks off June 1. This year’s friendly theme, called Happy Together - Where Friendships Grow is organized by the La Grange Business Association (LGBA) and sponsored by the Park District of La Grange, Douglas Auto Body, Village of La Grange and dozens of small businesses.

The pine benches are handcrafted by Scott Morrow, a local shopkeeper and woodworker. Each bench is large enough to comfortable seat two people and one end of the bench features a wooden box with a lid. When open, it is a planter box, and when closed, it serves as a side table.

The colorful art pieces will be displayed through Labor Day; afterwards, each piece will be auctioned from the West End Arts Festival on Saturday, September 9 beginning at 5pm to benefit local nonprofit groups.
 
This is the 17^th year that the LGBA has organized a sidewalk art exhibit to draw attention to the Village’s lively business district. Other themes have included dog houses, game tables, garden benches, little free libraries, rain barrels and more.
 
Admirers will be able to tour the art exhibit by following a walking map highlighting the location and sponsor of each piece plus the name of the artist and title of the artwork. Exhibit maps will be available at local businesses, and can be viewed on the free La Grange Mobile App or downloaded at www.lagrangeevents.com.