Empty Storefront to Get a New View

Some vacant property will go from eyesore to art gallery this summer as part of a project to beautify the future downtown and provide a bright spot in the community as part of the “Art Changing the View” exhibit.

Pam Hamilton, owner of graphic design firm Hamilton Design, plans to transform part of the nearly vacant Spartans' Square development into a storefront art exhibition starting on June 12.

But first, she needs some help.

Hamilton is looking for art submissions from community members, from students to established artists.

“It’s open to anyone,” she said.

Hamilton, who teaches an art class at the Romeoville Recreation Center and runs an art studio in Chicago, plans to work with students from and to help them prepare for the exhibit.

“I’m hoping for about five kids from each school,” she said. “I’ll be walking them through the process of creating art for a show.”

Artists have until April 18 to submit pieces for the show. Hamilton said she will notify artists by May 2 whether their work has been accepted.

Assistant Village Manager Dawn Caldwell said this is the first time Romeoville has been part of a community art project of this nature.

It’s also a first for Hamilton.

“I’ve curated other (art exhibits), but this is the first time I’ve done a show like this,” she said.

Both 2-D and 3-D entries will be considered, Hamilton said.

To submit artwork, contact Hamilton at hamiltondesign@comcast.net or 815-690-3370.

Accepted pieces must be hand-delivered to Spartan' Square, located on the corner of Route 53 and Phelps Avenue, on May 16. The exhibit will be located in the former Ace Hardware store.

It will be up to each artist to decide whether their pieces will be for sale or display only, Hamilton said.

An opening reception for the exhibit is scheduled for Sunday, June 12. The event will coincide with a local car show, Hamilton said.

“It should be a big event,” she said. “I’m really looking forward to it.”

The show, made possible by the Village of Romeoville and a grant from the Puffin Foundation, will be on exhibit through July 31.