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kohlchildrensmuseum · 8 years

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Artist Tree: Local Artist Bryan Butler Showcases the Museum’s 30th Anniversary

In celebration of Kohl Children’s Museum’s 30th Anniversary, the Museum partnered with six local artists to create Trees on Parade, a collection of whimsically painted fiberglass trees on display through October 7 at Northbrook Court Mall. In March, Trees on Parade was a featured exhibit at the Chicago Flower and Garden Show at Navy Pier. The six fiberglass trees (representing stylized versions of the Museum’s logo) stand five feet tall and are captivatingly decorated to celebrate the spirit of childhood and the Museum. Four of the trees will be auctioned at the Museum’s An Evening to Imagine gala on October 8.

The first of the series of trees was designed and created by Bryan Butler, a local artist specializing in illustration, fine art, and graphic design. Over the course of his career, Mr. Butler has worked with such prestigious organizations as Lurie Children’s Hospital, the Chi-Town Jazz Festival, and Moody Bible Institute.

Working on a project for Kohl Children’s Museum was a bit of a departure for Mr. Butler, but he was extremely intrigued with the project and opportunity when the Museum’s Board Chair Paul Sutenbach and his wife, Linda, reached out to him when the project was in its infancy.

In order to gain a better understanding of the Museum, its mission, and vision, Mr. Butler asked to meet with staff members and pay a visit to the Museum in order to visualize the physical space, take pictures, and capture its spirit. While he looked at this project as a challenge, he also felt that he could impact the Museum by creating a work of art that would help portray the many facets of the organization and its impact on children. For example, the front of the sculpture represents the architectural design of the building and the geometric yellow mimics the roof of the museum. The blue represents the sky. where one can note the presence of a small aircraft soaring upwards and skywriting “30 Years and Growing.” The aircraft is a tribute to the former airfield that the Museum now sits upon.

The green represents the landscape surrounding the Museum. The red color on the side of the sculpture is meant to draw the eye upward and also to trigger excitement. The artist chose to use primary colors, as these are colors with which young children identify.

The back of the sculpture is an intricate display of white on blue with inspirational words about raising children well. These words are layered upon each other to create texture and interest. Kohl Children’s Museum’s familiar green logo is also present with a subtle nuance – the artist’s handprint is playfully overlaid on it.

This project was extremely rewarding for Mr. Butler, who looked at it not only as a great challenge, but as a chance to work with and support a great organization.

--Sheila Hornthal, volunteer writer

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