Huge hand-painted Mexican-inspired sculptures coming to Glen Ellyn

The Olmec Trails exhibit extends beyond Glen Ellyn. The village includes works created by visual artist Eleazar Valencia Valencia.

June 20, 2024, 1:56 p.m. CDT | Update June 20, 2024, 4:24 p.m. CDT

GLEN ELLYN, Ill. — A new public art exhibit brings oversized, hand-painted head sculptures to downtown Glen Ellyn and beyond to pay homage to traditional Mesoamerican Olmec statues. In total, 33 North American artists lent their talents to the project, including Eleazar Valencia Valencia, whose vibrant works are on display at Glen Ellyn.

“Olmec Trails is another successful art exhibit. With it, the exhibit brings cultural awareness, beauty, conversation and engagement,” Dawn Smith, executive director of the Downtown Glen Ellyn Alliance, told Patch.

Smith added: “Glen Ellyn is committed to public art. Not only does public art bring life and charm to the community for our residents, but it also contributes to the economic growth of our restaurants and storefronts through tourism.

Statues can be seen at the College of Dupage, Mayslake Peabody Estate, and DuPage County Forest Preserves.

In a statement, Eleazar Valencia Valencia said his work “The Wonders of Tabasco” is “a piece that represents WATER. Without water there is no life. It also highlights the cultural heritage left by our ancestors: dances, music and gastronomy In addition, it describes the biodiversity of plants and animals found in the vast swamps and tropical jungles, many of which are classified as endangered.

The Downtown Glen Ellyn Alliance worked with village officials and the Glen Ellyn Park District to bring a portion of the Olmec Trails to Glen Ellyn.

Smith said, “Glen Ellyn is excited to be a part of this DuPage County art exhibit in collaboration with the DuPage Convention and Visitors Bureau, as well as the McAninch Arts Center, both of which have a proven track record in material for advertising incredible events. an easy decision to want to collaborate on this project.”