Project Description:
- Artist: Carolyn Elaine Assistant artist: Ingrid Swenson
- Sponsorship: Chicago Public Art Group, Garfield Park Conservatory & Gallery 37

- 40 sq. ft. Broken Tile Mosaic- Exterior Installation

 

In 2001 the CTA opened its new Central Park Avenue-Conservatory el station and Chicago Public Art Group began a multi-year project with Gallery 37 apprentices and the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance to create and install a series of broken tile mosaics on the concrete bases of the train station at Central Park and Lake.

Lead artist Carolyn Elaine and assistant Ingrid Swenson, led eleven west-side teens on The Chihully Remix, mosaics whose imagery was inspired by the conservatory’s flora as well as the Tacoma-based artist’s glass pieces. The team adorned the elevator foundation with 40 square feet of mosaic and added twelve panels to the concrete bases of the train station.

 

The colorful mosaics were designed to attract the attention of motorists and pedestrians and to highlight local cultural and environmental themes, enhancing viewers’ appreciation of the el stop, the conservatory and the community.