Altgeld Gardens Students Design Heart Park

The Public Art Initiative in Altgeld Gardens is a project that focuses on thoughtful community-centered public art design created by 8th grade students of Aldridge Elementary School. This initiative stems from “A City Planning Project for Altgeld Gardens.” Students were vocal about the immediate installation of public art in Altgeld Gardens being a priority. Collective Learning Lab created curriculum centering on Equitable Transit Oriented Design, civic engagement, storytelling and artistic expression. Students were guided by dancer Peter Gaona, poet Rachel DeWoskin, artist Jina Valentine, and artist Tobey Albright through workshops and active lessons. Students were challenged to experience new artistic forms and use it to push their vision and designs.

Throughout the sessions, students were informed about the proposal process with Chicago Housing Authority and the deliverables needed to make the plans a reality. They gathered community input about public art in the neighborhood from family and neighbors. They have been able to raise awareness and potential donors by presenting their work to the Alderman and the Board of Education. The students are proposing to install a sculpture surrounded by a gathering space and native plants called “Heart Park”.