Dedication of "Taking Flight" Installation Set for Sept. 27

Public is invited to event, which includes music and refreshments

A dedication ceremony for Parkland College's new state-funded art installation will take place next week; the public is invited.

The "Taking Flight" art installation dedication will be Thursday, Sept. 27, at 3:30 p.m. in the Student Union lobby.

Consisting of over 500 ceramic birds, "Taking Flight" welcomes students and visitors to the atrium of Parkland College's Student Union. During the dedication, the work's creator, Ann Coddington, will speak briefly about the conception, design, fabrication, and installation of the piece. The event includes a brief performance by the Coneflowers and light refreshments.

Coddington, a Champaign artist and professor of art at Eastern Illinois University, installed the work this summer. Lisa Costello, director of Giertz Gallery at Parkland College, explained the delay in dedicating the piece. 

"Although we offer classes year-round, we thought it would be ideal to hold the dedication once the fall semester started; this way we are able to celebrate the installation with as many students and community members as possible," she said. The project was funded through the state Art-in-Architecture program, part of the Illinois Capital Development Board. Established in 1977, the AIA works to promote and preserve the arts by securing suitable works of art to adorn public buildings constructed or renovated through state funds, reserving one-half of one percent of the construction or renovation costs to do so. The program emphasizes works by Illinois artists and creates a permanent art collection for Illinoisans.

Coddington submitted her proposal in response to a statewide search by the AIA program when the Student Union was under construction. The committee was impressed by her consideration of the natural elements—wood, stone, sunlight—that make up the bright, airy space she would be working with, and they selected her work.

More information on "Taking Flight" is available at the Parkland College website.