PORTAGE PARK — A sculpture honoring the Far Northwest Side's Native American heritage has brought new life to Six Corners — and a party will take place Oct. 4 to celebrate its anniversary.
Crafted out of aluminum by Ted Sitting Crow Garner, "Portage," a 10-foot-by-6-foot sculpture, depicts an abstract figure swinging a canoe on to its back in tribute to the Native Americans who traveled through what is now Six Corners — the intersection of Irving Park Road and Cicero and Milwaukee avenues.
The party, hosted by Northwest Arts Connection as part of Chicago Artists Month, will include a Native American smudging blessing by American Indian Center elder Starr Bresette and traditional celebration music by the Redline drum group.
Heather Cherone says most people she's talked to say the artwork is a nice addition to the neighborhood:
After the ceremony a "whimsical, crazy birthday party" will be held at the Filament Theatre, 4041 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Events will also take place at the National Veterans Art Museum, which is above the theater, and attendees will have a chance to create their own work inspired by Portage Park's history using natural materials.
Portage Park got its name because it was the connection point between the Chicago and Des Plaines rivers. The area was once so swampy that travelers could easily paddle through the area.
The sculpture, which is outside the Sears store on Cicero, is part of the effort underway to turn Six Corners into an arts and entertainment mecca — and to regain a measure of the area's former luster as the biggest shopping district outside the Loop.
The celebration starts at 1 p.m. Oct. 4. For more information, go to northwestartsconnection.com.
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