Artist, Juan De La Mora, cuts the ribbon surrounded by officials who were part of this 5-year-in-the-making improvement project. Scroll down for a closer look at this project, including BEFORE & AFTER photos, and to view other murals completed by Juan...
On Thursday, January 12, 2023, a public art project in Glen Ellyn, IL, “The Grove,” was finally unveiled during a formal ribbon-cutting by the artist, Juan De La Mora, at the entrance of the Taylor Avenue pedestrian underpass.
This project was a joint initiative launched by the College of DuPage (COD) and its McAninch Arts Center. Every two years COD partners with a community in DuPage County with the mission to complete public art installations and community art projects.
Officials attending the ribbon cutting included Diana Martinez, Chair COD DuPage Public Art Project Committee, Mark Senak, President Village of Glen Ellyn, Dr. Brian Caputo, President College of DuPage, Debbie Venezia, Director of Arts DuPage of DuPage Foundation, and members of the Glen Ellyn Art Committee.
“The Grove” graces the entire interior of the tunnel which stretches 91 feet long and is about 12 feet in diameter. Juan was assisted by his team members Carla Alvarado Anguiano and Marissa Mora Gomez.
The concept recalls a forest called “The Grove” of Prospect Park which was once Glen Ellyn of the late 19th Century. The 1,000-acre Grove consisted of many types of trees including Red, White, “Black and Burr Oaks, as well as Hickory, Chestnut, Ash and others. It spanned both sides of the DuPage River from St. Charles Road on the north to Hill Avenue and roughly following Hill to Forest and along that line north again to St. Charles Road.
Juan's design was one of about 65 submissions from around the world which were whittled down to five finalists. The winning work was selected by more than 2,000 members of the community.
Taylor Avenue pedestrian walkway before improvement.
This mural completed by Juan is also located in the West Town neighborhood of Chicago at 1317 N. Milwaukee Road.
Chicago mural by Juan located at 1424 W. Ohio Street in the West Town neighborhood.
This mural completed by Juan is also located in the West Town neighborhood of chicago at 1317 N. Milwaukee Road.