Are you an artist who’s itching to create? Why not submit a design for the Village’s 2021 Benches on the Avenue public art program?

The Village is looking for artists to create unique, imaginative, designs that are kid and family friendly. All genres and eras of music are welcome, and portrayals should be vibrant, colorful and include some degree of three-dimensional art.

What Is “Benches on the Avenue?”

The Benches on the Avenue is a public art program that started in 2003 and has become one of the Village’s most popular attractions, drawing thousands of residents and visitors annually to Downtown Tinley. The colorful benches feature the work of both amateur and professional artists and provide spots to rest and enjoy the fantastic creations while strolling through town. Each bench is sponsored by a local business or individual, who takes possession of it after the program has ended.

Benches on the Avenue will runs from May to October 2021 along Oak Park Avenue from 172nd to 176th streets. Each bench is sponsored by a local business or individual who will take possession of it at the end of the season. Anyone with an imagination and a bit of artistic creativity can submit an entry!

This Year’s Theme

As a commissioner on the Village’s Marketing and Branding Commission I can tell you that this year’s theme aims to pay tribute to some of the most iconic and memorable album covers of all time through many genres and eras. The theme is called “Album Cover Tour,” a perfect compliment to the village’s rebrand focused on music.

Info For Those Interested In Being A Benches On The Avenue Sponsor

Price-wise, if you’re interested in sponsoring a bench, for this past year’s program the introductory cost was $695 and then it went up to $895 after April 1st.

One of the benefits of being a sponsor is exposure for your business or organization to tens of thousands of residents and visitors. The method of gaining you exposure is a golden plaque recognizing your company as a sponsor is affixed to your sponsored. Also, your business will be included in the widely distributed Benches on the Avenue brocure, and a feature on the village’s website and social media channels.

Learn more on the Village website at TinleyPark.org/Benches.

Message From The Village of Tinley Park

“The Village of Tinley Park will host the 18th season of Benches on the Avenue from May to October of 2021 in Downtown Tinley. The 2021 Benches on the Avenue will feature some of the most iconic and memorable album covers of all time. The Village is currently seeking artists to create unique, kid-and family-friendly, imaginative, and three-dimensional designs that will take visitors on an “Album Cover Tour” through all genres and eras of music. Portrayals should be vibrant, colorful and include some degree of three-dimensional art.  

Anyone with an imagination and a bit of artistic creativity can be part of Benches on the Avenue.  All you have to do is fill out the application form and submit it with your designs for review.  Selected artists will receive $400 for supplies and the chance to win one of several awards based on selection criteria. All artists will have their biography and image of their bench posted on the Village’s website.  A plaque will be attached to the bench with the artist and sponsor’s names.  In addition to the tens of thousands of residents and visitors who will view the benches, the artists and sponsors will be recognized in the Benches on the Avenue brochure which is available throughout the summer. A copy of the brochure is available from the Village Hall or on the Village website.”