Will Berwyn's 'Spindle' Be Saved?
Townspeople Not Sure They Want to Spend Money on This "ART"
The Spindle is a "car-kabob" like art piece, a tall spike upon which are impaled eight cars from the late 70's and early 80's, the top "cherry" being a 1967 Red Volkswagon. It is located on Cermak Plaza at the south-east corner of Cermak Road and Harlem Avenue in Berwyn, Illinois, USA.
This sculpture by Dustin Shuler was commissioned in 1989. Regardless of how people view this landmark, it is a piece of art. When Mr. Shuler negotiated the terms for his artwork, he included a guarantee that it would not be moved for at least 10 years. Possibly this was his own nod toward the decay that the structure would, purposefully, be experiencing on a continuous basis.
From the beginning, Berwyn residents have discussed the merits of this artwork. Some have referred to it as a joke by the artist, a garbage pile, an eyesore, while others appreciate it for the statement it makes on today's commercial society. In 1990, when the sculpture was a fresh icon on the horizon, the residents of this town voted overwhelmingly against its continued presence.
The problem facing this sculpture today is that the land upon which the artwork sits has been sold to developers and they need to remove it in order to give way for a new Walgreens. The cost to move the piece and "resurrect" it has been estimated at over $350,000.
At a recent meeting, according to The Gazette Newspapers, the Berwyn City Council unanimously voted to "do anything possible to help save the Spindle." While the city of Berwyn cannot currently take on the costs, they will try to possibly work something out among the other parties involved in saving the Spindle, including the developer and property management group.
Groups feverously working on fundraising efforts are SaveTheSpindle.com, Friends of the Spindle Foundation as well as the BerwynArtsCouncil.org. You can purchase t-shirts and other merchandise depicting an artist's rendering of the Spindle. Make a donation online or join in the fundraising efforts at local upcoming events.
The Spindle is a constant topic of conversation and has gained much attention for the town. It is one of the most photographed objects in Berwyn, and indeed, the Chicago area. It has been bringing tourists to town for almost twenty years, along with those tourist dollars. It has been featured on magazine covers, in product advertising, travel guides and as a waypoint for the geocaching fanatics. And of course, who could forget its appearance in the movie "Wayne's World," one of its most notable exposures.
The people of Berwyn, regardless of their personal feelings, still feel ownership of it and it shows. On my way to my parents, I pass "the spike" "with the cars" as I would refer to it when giving directions and would often see people, Berwynites and out-of-towners taking pictures. It is a landmark of art, hopefully, one that remains as such in Berwyn.
Resources:
http://www.savethespindle.com
http://www.berwynartscouncil.com
Chris Starr, "Spindle Controversy Goes International" The Gazette Newspapers
Published by Los Manz
Originally from Belize. Studied to be a Med Tech. Now a parent sprouting grey hairs by the day. Have a passion for Art. My fifteen minutes of fame happened in college when my painting was chosen as a gift to... View profile
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1 Comments
Post a CommentIt's interesting. I am all for expression but, I also understand not everyone wants just any type of expressing in their neighborhood. Again interesting.