Official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
The City of West Chicago proudly announces the launch of the "WeGo Full Steam Ahead" public art project, a vibrant celebration of community, creativity, and local heritage. This initiative features large and small train sculptures, each uniquely designed by talented local artists and sponsored by dedicated community partners.
Born from a shared vision to create meaningful and fun public art, "WeGo Full Steam Ahead" aims to attract visitors, foster community pride, and raise funds to support the needs of West Chicago residents. The project is a collaborative effort led by the WeGo Full Steam Ahead Committee, with members from People Made Visible/West Chicago City Museum, West Chicago Public Library, WeGo Together for Kids, and West Chicago Parks Foundation.
Artistic Highlights:
Ball Horticultural Company Team (led by Drew Pistilli and Brianne Giltner): Their train, themed "Color the World," features a vibrant color gradient representing the diversity and creativity of Ball’s plant varieties.
Arturo Aberrera: "Mexican Train Migration" honors the journey and cultural contributions of Mexican migrants to the Chicago area, with town names and historical references integrated into the design.
Christine Cintula: "The Creative Spirit" celebrates West Chicago’s commitment to the arts and the power of visual storytelling to unite and inspire the community.
Additional artists-designed trains will be showcased on the project website (WeGoFullSteamAhead.org) as they are unveiled. Community members are encouraged to visit Gallery 200 to pick up a map of all train locations.
The train sculptures will be on public display for a two-year "tour of duty" before moving on to new opportunities. The project welcomes additional sponsors interested in supporting this dynamic celebration of West Chicago’s spirit.
