FREEPORT ART MUSEUM’s

ARTS PLAZA

This vibrant, arts-based civic space is poised to be a key contributor in fostering community engagement, developing art and cultural experiences that help facilitate economic development, and welcoming residents and visitors to Freeport.

Now almost 80% complete, the Arts Plaza project is about a journey towards revitalizing our downtown in ways that will inspire and spark creativity for all those who encounter the space, both on a daily basis and during programmed performances and community-wide events. It has the potential to become one of the City’s most dynamic cornerstones, providing the Freeport Art Museum with a highly visible setting where we can present creative, culturally enriching programs for everyone.

“The realization of combining the Arts Plaza with the Public Library to create a downtown cultural space is very exciting for Freeport. This project shows great vision and support for our community. A wonderful addition!” - Judy Barney, Arts Plaza Donor

PROJECT background

In 2004, the property was donated to the museum by the late Jack Myers, a philanthropist who owned a successful car sales business on the site. A visionary who believed in the potential of creating a cultural campus comprised of the adjacent public library, Lincoln-Douglas Debate square, and the historic Union Dairy, Mr. Myers gave the land to the museum to build a new facility for the arts. It wasn’t until 2015 when demand for a civic space downtown, coupled with our work with the City Centre initiative led to the Arts Plaza project that allows the vision of an arts and cultural civic space to finally become a reality. 

To date, the Freeport Art Museum has been able to raise over $1,250,000 in cash and in-kind support received through private donations coupled with a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, a capital grant through the Rebuild Illinois program and support from our project partners—the City of Freeport. This support allowed the museum to begin major construction in the Spring of 2019.  

Public Art

Two unique sculptures created by artists from across the nation now enhance the meaning of the space, inspiring creativity and celebrating Freeport’s distinct history.  These installations launched the first on-going public art program in the City.

Bridge Beyond Time by Atlanta based artist, Corrina Sephora is comprised of stainless steel, steel, and copper. The sculpture consists of three rowboats held 14 to 16 feet in the air, perched atop elongated oars. Bridge Beyond Time is located near the northwest corner of the plaza's greenspace.

Sephora specializes in metal sculpture, painting and installation and draws inspiration from the natural and spiritual worlds.

Renew by Maureen Hearty represents the different metamorphoses of a monarch butterfly. The center totem light pole reflects the caterpillar stage - with cut away sections that reveal the pink painted interior which is illuminated at night from the internal color changing LED solar lights. The four wings surrounding the centerpiece symbolize the rebirth into the mature butterfly. Each wing includes an interactive chime that can be played with fingertips or the attached mallets.

This piece was commissioned by Dan and Sally Noble, as well as their family, and friends, in memory of their son, Jack - who loved art, music, and the color pink.

Maureen is a Colorado-based sculptor, gardener, and community organizer. She incorporates various materials and methods based on the site-specific community and space, she uses her art as a tool for community activation, education, and opportunity. Her work has been commissioned by several organizations throughout Colorado and she has organized community arts projects across several states and Lima, Peru.

Activities in the Arts Plaza for 2023 are generously supported by a grant from the US Bank Foundation