Located in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood, the Foster Street underpass at Lake Shore Drive is home to a vibrant mosaic titled “Indian Land Dancing.” This public artwork, commissioned in October 2008 by the Chicago Park District, the Chicago Public Art Group, and 48th Ward Alderman Mary Ann Smith, stands as a testament to the area’s rich Native American history and a celebration of community collaboration. Following the positive reception of the Bryn Mawr Street underpass mosaics the previous year, artists Tracy Van Duinen, Todd Osborne, and Cynthia Weiss were invited to create a piece that would resonate with the local community and honor its past.
Honoring Edgewater’s Native American Roots
The artists embarked on this project with a vision to incorporate the significant Native American heritage of Edgewater. Historically, the area was inhabited by the Potawatomi tribe, and even today, Native Americans remain an integral part of the community. To ensure cultural sensitivity and authenticity, the artists partnered with the American Indian Center of Chicago. This collaboration was crucial in developing a composition that was both dynamic and respectful of tradition. Chicago artist Gerry Lang, a veteran of numerous public art projects across the city, including the Eugene Field Park field house mosaic, also joined the team, further enriching the project’s artistic depth.
Community Creation: Youth at the Heart of “Indian Land Dancing”
The mosaic, officially named “Indian Land Dancing,” came to life during the summer of 2009 through the dedicated efforts of 33 teenagers from Alternatives, Inc., a youth organization. These young individuals played a vital role in the artwork’s creation, learning the intricate techniques of mosaic art. They worked collaboratively to cut, apply, and grout the shimmering mirror and ceramic tiles that form the artwork. This hands-on experience not only contributed to the physical creation of the mosaic but also fostered a sense of ownership and connection to their community’s artistic landscape.
Deciphering the Symbolism: Nature, Generations, and Convergence
“Indian Land Dancing” is rich in symbolism, weaving together historical and contemporary narratives. The artists incorporated details that speak to Edgewater’s original marshland environment, such as prominent, textured cattails. Representations of nature’s cycles are evident in the depiction of a rising sun and flourishing corn, symbolizing renewal and growth. A soaring thunderbird, a powerful figure in Native American mythology, is included as a symbolic representation of storm clouds and the life-giving rain they bring.
At the heart of one mosaic panel, a central matriarchal figure takes prominence. She holds a sphere composed of circles, a powerful symbol representing the interconnected lineage of generations. Her flowing, dark hair is inscribed with lines from “We Are the Mothers,” a poem by Native American poet Frances Hagemann: “With our strong arms, we form a circle, and in that circle, we embrace the world.” This poem beautifully encapsulates the Native American understanding of heritage, emphasizing the responsibility each generation holds for the well-being of those to come.
Historical photographs, carefully transferred and integrated into the mosaic, serve as visual representations of elder generations, anchoring the present to the past. The spirit of youth is cleverly depicted through the image of a skateboarder gliding down the matriarchal figure’s hair, a contemporary element juxtaposed with timeless themes.
A signpost within the mosaic acts as both a literal and symbolic representation of an intersection. Inscribed with the names of several local Native American tribes, this signpost embodies the convergence of diverse peoples and cultures. This image is particularly fitting for a community art project like “Indian Land Dancing,” which itself was a convergence of artists, students, and dedicated community volunteers, all working together to create a lasting piece of public art that celebrates both history and community spirit.
A Lasting Legacy of Community and Heritage
“Indian Land Dancing” stands as a vibrant and meaningful addition to Chicago’s public art landscape. More than just a visually striking mosaic, it is a testament to the power of community collaboration and a respectful homage to the Native American heritage of the Edgewater neighborhood. Through its rich symbolism and the active involvement of local youth, the mosaic serves as a lasting reminder of the area’s history and the interconnectedness of generations.
