Lighthouses on the Mag Mile is spearheaded by The Chicago Lighthouse, a service organization serving the blind, visually impaired, disabled and Veteran communities. Since 1906, the Chicago Lighthouse has provided vision rehabilitation services, education, employment opportunities and assistive technology for people of all ages, serving more than 67,000 people. They hope that the lighthouses will serve as a beacon of hope: one that inspires people with disabilities to achieve their goals, and that encourages the able-bodied community to increase access and inclusion.
Lighthouses on Mag Mile
Roots and Caring: Beacon for Hope, created by Sandie Bacon & John Hatlestad
This summer in Chicago, public art is being used as a call to action. Fifty-one 6 foot lighthouse sculptures that have been decorated by national and local Chicago artists, many with disabilities, are now on display on North Michigan Avenue, Chicago’s Magnificent Mile.
Lighthouses on Mag Mile
Rising to Succeed, created by Ken Klopack
Each lighthouse is sponsored by a local business or non-profit, and features the work of one or a team of artists. The themes the artists incorporate is wide-ranging, including vision, the natural world and local icons. Some lighthouses incorporate collage, and one is even wrapped in fabric created by a local group of blind weavers.
Lighthouses on the Mag Mile is on display through August 11. After their display, the works of art will be sold at auction.
