Summer Day Camp Mosaic | Artwork

Summer Day Camp is an intricate mosaic displayed in lobby of the Holstein Park field house. The panel was sponsored by the Bucktown Arts Fest, a local non-profit organization that hosts an annual art fair to raise money for arts and educational programming in the Bucktown neighborhood.

To create the mosaic, Bucktown Arts Fest artist-in-residence Connie Hinkle led members of the 2011 summer day camp at Holstein Park. The children, ranging in age from six to thirteen, worked throughout the six-week program to conceive and execute the design. Inspired by their experience at summer camp, the children envisioned an imaginative landscape depicting the many activities they participated in during the camp. On the left, a baseball diamond and a carnival tent represent classic summer pastimes. Near the center, a swimming pool, lifeguard stand, and umbrellas illustrate the fun had by the children at the park’s aquatic facility. Other words—such as bowling, zoo, and Chicago History Museum—reveal some of the children’s favorite field trips and games.

At the far left, there is a playful goat’s head. This is part of the logo for the Bucktown Arts Fest, which holds an annual Goat Party to help raise money for the organization. The logos of two other neighborhood partners, Friends of Holstein Park and Bucktown Community Organization, are also depicted in the mosaic.

Across the top of the scene, the words "SUMMER DAY CAMP" float within three white clouds. A bright sun, blue sky, and green lawn complete the landscape. Rendered in variegated tonal shades of tiny glass tiles, the incredibly complex composition is a beautiful addition to the Holstein Park field house and a remarkable example of the high quality of art produced with student participation.