Aurora Public Art

Winter Garden of Youth

Winter Garden of Youth

RELEASE: November 30, 2023 

EXHIBITION: Winter Garden of Youth - Artwork by Young Aurora Artists from K-12 Schools

OPENING RECEPTON: Friday, December 1st, 5-8 P.M.

EXHIBITION DATES: Friday, December 1, 2023 through Saturday January 13, 2024

LOCATION: First and Third Floor Galleries at 20 E. Downer Place, Aurora, IL 60505

GALLERY HOURS: Wednesdays through Friday 12-4 P.M., Saturdays 10 A.M.-4 P.M.

“We are proud to announce the opening of our 25th annual art exhibit, Winter Garden of Youth, by Aurora’s K-12 students. This exhibit was the brainchild of Karen Towers, a highly regarded 36-year veteran art teacher for D129. She presented the idea to the then Director of Aurora Public Art, Rena Church, who embraced it in 1997 and continued the exhibit annually till her retirement in 2017. We are pleased to continue this legacy; it is always satisfying to see the pride these young artists and their families experience with this opportunity” says Jenn Byrne, Director of Aurora Public Art.

All local K-12 schools have been invited to participate in this exhibition that celebrates the youth of Aurora. Annually Aurora Public Art highlights approximately 200 artworks by Aurora youth from kindergarten to seniors in high school. Media to be presented include drawings, paintings, and sculptures.

The exhibition and opening reception are free, family-friendly, and open to the public.

Sponsored by the City of Aurora.


Downtown Aurora Public Art Map

Downtown Aurora has over 50 Public Art installations to discover, with more to come. From the Aurora Transportation Center to the Santori Public Library, murals and sculptures can be found amongst the historic architecture, restaurants, and shops, and along the Fox River Trail.

Learn more about each artwork on our Downtown Public Art interactive map.

Click here for a printable file of the brochure below.

Downtown Public Art Interactive Map Brochure Front Opens in new window

Downtown Public Art Interactive Map Brochure Back Opens in new window

Public Art Audio Tour Opens in new windowPublic Art Audio Tour

Take a guided tour of the murals and sculptures in downtown Aurora by downloading the Otocast app and clicking on Aurora Public Art. The Otocast guide provides locations, directions, photographs, background information, and a brief audio clip about each piece of outdoor art. Many of the audio clips are interviews with the artists who created the installations.  (Click HERE for enlarged version)


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