During the City Council meeting on Monday, October 16, Sienna Sherrier from Glen Ellyn was announced as the winner of the City of West Chicago's 2023 Art Banner Exhibit's "People's Choice Award." Sienna accepted her nomination alongside Alderman Chassee, who was serving as Acting Mayor in the absence of Mayor Ruben Pineda, and Heidi Kuharich, Chairman of the City’s Cultural Arts Commission.
Sienna's winning artwork, titled "Blooming Bright," featured vibrant colored flowers against a soft pastel backdrop. The 2023 theme was "Vitality/Vitalidad," and Sienna explained her choice: "I chose to draw the flowers because I love the beautiful, bright colors that start popping up in spring. It looks like an explosion of color!"
Sienna, a creative 4th grader, has been drawing intricate flowers since the age of 6. As noted by her family in the entry submission, "These flowers are bold, yet sweet and whimsical, just like Sienna!"
In 2023, the Annual Art Banner Exhibit received submissions from 46 artists across 21 Illinois communities, totaling 93 unique pieces. Out of these, 26 artists had their work selected for the exhibit by this year's juror, Sara Phalen of West Chicago. The artworks were on display from May through August, during which visitors and residents voted for their favorite display. Sienna's artwork garnered an overwhelming 97 votes out of 314 collected.
The City's Art Banner Exhibit, a 15-year tradition, is organized by the City of West Chicago in collaboration with the City's Cultural Arts Commission. To explore this year's artwork, including Sienna's winning piece, visit westchicago.org/artbannerexhibit.
The City extends its gratitude to all the artists who participated in the 2023 exhibit and encourages them to consider submitting artwork for the 2024 exhibit. Information about next year's exhibit, submission guidelines, and the 2024 theme can be found on the West Chicago website at westchicago.org/artbannerexhibit.