As students of North Central College, it is safe to say we have become rather familiar with our campus and its surrounding area. However, can we say the same about the art located on our campus and its surrounding area as well? If you haven’t had the chance to appreciate all the art in the Naperville, below are five places to start.
Greeting you upon arrival in championship plaza is a bronze life-sized statue of Bill Shatzer ’42 designed by Shirley McWorter-Moss. The large sculpture pays homage to both cardinal football and to the very talented alumni, Shatzer. During his years at NCC, he lettered in a variety of sports including basketball and track. Interestingly enough, he also lettered in football three times and was named Most Valuable Player not only his junior year of college, but his senior year as well. After graduating North Central, Shatzer planned to play professional football, but was called to serve his country instead. Today, the statue still stands and is honored before each home football game.
Tucked away behind North Central’s stadium is a unique addition to campus. Often unseen, this large hybrid sculpture celebrates the history of our college and reflects the athletic enthusiasm that oozes from the student body. The large giraffe is masked with a cardinal face and dressed in authentic North Central gear; from head to toe the giraffe sports NCC’s very own cross country uniform. If you missed this piece of art in the midst of game day excitement, you can find it overlooking the south end of Benedetti-Wherli Stadium.
The “Freedom isn’t Free” community memorial is located in the heart of downtown Naperville and honors the victims of the 9/11 attacks in 2003. According to Naperville’s website, the memorial was inspired by Naperville native, Commander Dan Shanower, who unfortunately passed in the attack on the Pentagon. “The memorial takes its theme from an article written by Commander Shanower entitled “Freedom Isn’t Free.” In it, he wrote: “Those of us in the military are expected to make the ultimate sacrifice when called. The military loses scores of personnel each year. Each one risked and lost his or her life in something they believed in, leaving behind friends, family and shipmates to bear the burden and celebrate their devotion to our country…Freedom isn’t free.” The memorial features a variety of art, including art from local students and artists. For instance, artist Bill Cooper’s eccentric design can be seen as a focal point in the memorial. To create this sculpture, Cooper utilized rubble, steel beams, granite, and other material from the tragic events to create something to honor those involved. To view all the art within the memorial, visit the part of the Dupage River that is located behind the Municipal Center.
[metaslider id=4446]In 2007, Naperville welcomed a familiar face; Cat in the Hat made his home in downtown, and can be seen on the corner of Jackson Ave. and Eagle St. Created by artist, Leo Rijn this 10-foot sculpture was appropriately placed by the Nichols Library as it celebrates Dr. Seuss and his love for art and literature. Centurywalk.org notes that this statue was originally created to remember the publishing “The Cat and the Hat”. “Nine of these sculptures were commissioned to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first publishing of the book, but this is the only sculpture available to the public. It was made possible, in part, through the inspiration and generosity of Collette and Raymond Ruopp.” Now, the Cat and the Hat serves to represent the importance of reading and is always inviting community members to come to the Nichols Library to pick up a book.
There is truly a piece of art in Naperville for everyone to appreciate. As of 2014, animal lovers can now view a sculpture dedicated to the success of the Naperville Humane Society. Located on the River Walk close to centennial beach and the Naperville Park District, this piece of art reminds the community of founder Ardis McCallion and founding member Cleo Keller. Well-known artist, Dale Rogers created this wooden sculpture that depicts a harmonious relationship between cat and dog.
