Oakton Student Artwork to Shine on Chicago’s Mag Mile
(June 14, 2018) Oakton Community College will participate in “Lighthouses on the Mag Mile,” a public art display celebrating access and inclusion for people with disabilities this summer. Highlighting the free exhibit, which takes place from June 19 through August 11, will be a collection of more than 30 six-foot-tall lighthouse sculptures designed by national and local Chicago artists, many whom of have disabilities, along Chicago’s famed N. Michigan Ave.
Educational Foundation Board President Howard Singer and his wife, Alisa, joined Oakton in sponsoring an entry created by Oakton art and design students. The lighthouse, entitled “Be a Light,” displays the phrase, “Nothing can dim the light that shines within,” under its beacon. At the bottom of the structure, hands spell out “peace” in sign language.
The art project, which will be located at 701 N. Michigan Ave., is colored sky blue and includes paintings and clouds along with positive words such as “love,” “hope” and “radiant.”
Alisa Singer first became involved with the Lighthouse when she worked with the organization to design a line of contemporary art Braille greeting cards and was impressed by the critical work being done to create jobs and other opportunities for people with visual disabilities.
“The theme of empowerment, inclusion and equal access for people of all backgrounds and physical abilities is common to the missions of both Oakton and the Lighthouse,” Howard Singer says. “We both very much believe that art can be a powerful and effective vehicle to deliver this message, and we’re delighted that a team of talented and committed Oakton students were willing to take on this challenge.”
Art instructor Kristin Haas, a resident of Glenview, is serving as project manager for the students who have been designing the lighthouse for the last month. The students involved include Erin Conboy of Des Plaines, Allie Huffman of Beach Park, Larsa Kena of Niles, Brenda Mejia of Niles, Christina Mihalopoulos of Park Ridge and Shane Tolentino of Skokie.
“As Oakton students, we are proud to be part of this public art display that celebrates access and inclusion for people of all abilities,” Tolentino says.
Adds Haas, “This project is a chance for Oakton art students to shine and display their talent in a setting that will be see by thousands of people over the summer.”
The event is conducted by The Chicago Lighthouse in partnership with Huber Financial Advisors along with many other businesses and individuals, including The Magnificent Mile® Association. The Chicago Lighthouse provides comprehensive vision care and social services to improve the quality of life for patients, clients and their families.
According to The Chicago Lighthouse, the public art display can be experienced on mobile devices using a free mobile app, OTOCAST. Each stop on the tour includes photos, written and audio descriptions, and geo-location mapping to guide visitors along the way. In addition, the display will be accessible for people who are blind via an audible wayfinding app called AWARE. Both apps are available for free at the App Store or Google Play.
“Oakton is honored to work with business and community organizations to shine a light on our commitment to equity, inclusion, and educational access in building a strong and sustainable future,” Oakton Chief Advancement Officer Katherine Sawyer says. “This project helped us to celebrate everyone’s unique talents by bringing together students, instructors, alumni and donors to support a great cause.”
Oakton supports student access and success through its Access & Disability Resource Center (ADRC), which provides a range of accommodations and services for students with documented disabilities, including sign language interpreters, extended testing time, adaptive equipment, alternative text, note-taking services, enlarged printed materials, reader services, scribes and tutoring.
For more information about the ADRC, call 847-635-1759 or email accessdisability@oakton.edu.
Find out more about Oakton’s art and design program online or contact Lou Pierozzi, chair, at 847-635-1838 or lpierozz@oakton.edu.
