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Art pops up everywhere in Naperville, a town that loves beauty. Here is the story behind ten "hidden" pieces around Naperville. Look for these treasures as you journey about town this summer.

Naperville's Connection to MOUNT Rushmore
The three-foot tall bronze bust of Abraham Lincoln sitting on a four-foot tall pedestal in the front entryway of Oesterle Library, 320 E. School St. was cast from an original design by Gutzan Borglum, the same artist who sculpted the famous faces on Mount Rushmore. Borglum, an American artist, worked on his famous project in South Dakota from 1927-1941.

Creating Beauty During Hard Times
Next time you are at Naperville's post office on Ogden Avenue, look for the mural entitled "George Martin's Home Overlooking Old Naper Hill" by artist Rainey Bennett. The mural was a Works Projects Administration commission that provided Rainey with a needed income as well as a significant piece of art that has survived for decades.

Art In a Place of Healing
The triptych of a winter sunrise scene by Naperville artist Bill Sahagian that hangs in the south lobby of Edward Hospital is just a small portion of the hospital's art collection. More than 100 pieces of art mainly by local artists fill the walls of the hospital as part of a healing art effort.

Welcoming Friends
"The Circle of Peace" is a limited edition bronze sculpture of children playing Ring Around the Rosy by artist Gary Lee Price located in front the building at 1250 Mill Street. There is a break in the circle for other children to join in by grasping hands with the figures. The artist was inspired by a story about overcoming racism and wanted to create the piece in 2003 showing the continuum of humanity.

Science Meets Art
A 15-foot-tall gleaming metal sculpture proudly stands off the science wing at Waubonsie Valley High School along Route 34. The circular wind sculpture is a model of a DNA molecule that was put in place through the efforts of genetics and biotechnology teacher, Elaine Modine and her student volunteers.

The Face Behind the Name
Pfeiffer Hall is a familiar name around Naperville. To see an image of a member of the Pfeiffer family who gave so generously to North Central College, head to Merner Field house at 450 S. Brainard where there is a bronze relief portrait of Annie Merner Pfeiffer by noted sculptor Christian Petersen. The Christian Peterson Art Museum at Iowa State University is dedicated to his work.

A Memorial for More Than 100 Years
Since 1871, a civil war cannon has stood in Naperville's Central Park as a memorial to veterans. Generations have stood in front of it for photos and climbed on it during band concerts. There are only nine remaining cannons like this one in the world. The cannon was restored and rededicated in 2009.

A Mysterious Piece
As workers removed items from Naperville Central High School in preparation for demolition, they came across a mural in the former teacher's cafeteria. Although the piece was not signed, it appeared to be the work of well-known Naperville artist, Les Schrader. Speculation is that he worked with students to create the piece but research has started to find out more about the mural which has been sent out for restoration.

Famous Artist Has Piece in Naperville Cemetery
The graceful statue of St. Francis of Assisi has welcomed visitors to the Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery on Columbia Street and North Avenue for many years. The artist who created the piece is Frank Gaylord who also created the Korean War Veteran's Memorial in Washington, D. C. that was dedicated in 1995.

St. Raphael's Art Sculptures
Early this year, St. Raphael's Church installed 14 relief sculptures by Chicago artists Anna Koh Varilla and Jeffrey Hanson Varilla. Each piece reflects the emotions of those who witnessed Christ's passion. The artists used human models for the pieces that are installed around the perimeter of the worship space.

-Judy Buchenot