From the Ground Up, A History of Architecture in Aurora

The Aurora Public Art Commission presents “From the Ground Up, A History of Architecture in Aurora.”

The Aurora Public Art Commission and the Aurora Historical Society will help tell the story of Aurora’s first 175 years through two new exhibits that will be unveiled Friday, May 4 at the David L. Pierce Art and History Center, 20 E. Downer Place.

The Art Commission will be holding an opening reception from 5 to 8 p.m. May 4 for its new exhibit, “From the Ground Up, A History of Architecture in Aurora.” The exhibit honors Aurora’s 175th anniversary and showcases the City’s premier architects, dwellings and commercial buildings. The opening reception will include light hors d’oeurves, cash bar and music by John Ivan.

The reception also will feature two different presentations celebrating Aurora’s architectural treasures including:

• 5:30 to 6 p.m.: “From Post-Modern to Historic: The Homes of Builder Don A. Tosi,” given by Charlie Wilkins, City of Aurora Planning and Zoning staff member.
• 6 to 6:30 p.m.: Mayor Tom Weisner will announce the Mayor’s Awards for Excellence in Historic Preservation for 2010-11.

The Aurora Historical Society will be unveiling a special exhibit titled “The Aurora Story: A Journey through 175 Years of Aurora History” in conjunction with the Art Commission’s opening reception at the Pierce Art and History Center. Patrons can tour a comprehensive exhibit of 175 years of local history ranging from Native American dwellings to Aurora becoming Illinois’ second largest city. The exhibit is sponsored by the City of Aurora and Caterpillar.

Admission to the reception and both galleries is free. The exhibits will be on display from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday through Saturday, Aug. 18 at the Pierce Art and History Center.

Off-street parking is available in the Stolp Avenue parking deck, which is located at the corner of Downer Place and Stolp Avenue. With the Downer Place bridges under construction, the deck can be accessed from Stolp Avenue from either Galena Boulevard or Benton Street.

The Aurora Public Art Commission is a civic organization dedicated to the preservation of public art in all of its forms. For more information on the Commission or the gallery, visit the City of Aurora’s website.

Location: David L. Pierce Art and History Center, 20 E. Downer Place, Aurora, Illinois

Contact: Rena J. Church, Director, Aurora Public Art Commission, (630) 906-0654, rchurch@aurora-il.org