The bugs have landed in downtown Naperville. Eighteen larger than life bug sculptures will be on display until early September.
Courtesy of Downtown Naperville Alliance
Giant bugs have invaded downtown Naperville.
But don’t fret. These bugs don’t creep or craw. And you won’t have to swat them away.
The vibrant creatures, some as tall as 4 feet, are friendly welcomes to the downtown district and part of the annual summer art exhibit. This year’s exhibit features 18 “bugs” featuring snails, ladybugs, honeybees and caterpillars.
The Downtown Naperville Alliance has organized the summer sculpture series for more than a decade. Past exhibits have included dogs, golf ball chairs, bears, trains, cars and hearts.
Bugs are the highlight of this years summer art series in downtown Naperville. The 18 sculpture series includes honeybees, snails, caterpillars and ladybugs.
Courtesy of Downtown Naperville Alliance
“It’s something we’ve done every summer to the delight of many,” said Katie Wood, executive director of the Downtown Naperville Alliance.
The bug sculptures were installed Monday, and “already people are swarming downtown,” Wood said.
She said this year’s theme of bugs was selected in the wintry months, long before the cicada invasion began or most people were even thinking about the noisy bugs.
“It is kind of a perfect match for the summer that we’re having,” Wood joked, adding that the bug sculptures “are much cuter and much quieter.”
The summer art series in downtown Naperville features the handiwork of area artists.
Courtesy of Downtown Naperville Alliance
While there are no cicada sculptures in this summer’s series, you may spot a painted one on a few of the featured pieces scattered throughout the downtown.
Naperville businesses sponsor a sculpture, which then is painted by an area artist. Two of this year’s sculptures, both honeybees, were painted by students at Naperville Central High School and Metea Valley High School.
The Downtown Naperville Alliance has hosted an annual summer art exhibit featuring large sculptures for more than a decade.
Courtesy of Downtown Naperville Alliance
The bug sculptures will remain on display through early September. The Downtown Naperville Alliance is also partnering with the DuPage Children’s Museum to offer a few bug activities for younger fans.
On Thursday, the DuPage Children’s Museum will host its first “Create a Creature” learning lab from 2 to 4 p.m. near Main St. and Jefferson Ave. Participants can make a creature and create their own bit of sidewalk chalk art.
Residents and visitors to the downtown area can also cast their vote for their favorite bug by visiting downtownnaperville.com. A map with the locations of each sculpture is available on the Downtown Naperville Alliance website.
