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Normally, they
just landscape the area according to village policy. But
this time, moved by the recent death of their father, Don
Olivieri (an architect and sculptor), they decided to create
something unique.
They approached
Lincoln-Way East administrators in December to see if any
of their art students would be interested in submitting
design ideas for the sculpture.
“We thought
it would be exciting for the students,” said John
Olivieri, a Lincoln-Way graduate who was familiar with
the district’s art program and level of talent displayed
by the students.
“Those
students have a lot of ideas,” he said.
Bertucci was among 18 Lincoln-Way East students to submit 25 sketch plans
to Olivieri Brothers for consideration. A team of judges, which included
an art teacher from East, two architects from Olivieri Brothers, Mokena
Mayor Joe Werner and a citizen at large (who was selected by Werner),
stopped by the school May 1 to study the entries and to pick the winning
design.
“It was
a close call between the (top three) winners,” said
John Olivieri, who served as one of the judges. But Bertucci’s
design stood out as a “piece of art.”
His design,
which followed an environmental theme and featured a tree
made from metal and colored glass, will now be constructed
and added to the traffic circle as a permanent outdoor
piece of art.
“It’s
really going to be a focal point, “ said Olivieri.
Some of the
materials used to construct the piece may change to soften
its appearance, he added, but the overall vision will remain
intact.
“It’s
a great honor for Jim,” said Lincoln-Way art chair
Phil Labriola, who was tickled to have students involved
in a community project.
“It was a neat opportunity for the kids,” he added.
Bertucci will
receive $500 for his winning design during a Mokena village
board meeting on May 12.
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