GARFIELD PARK — To pay tribute to The Purple One, the Garfield Park Conservatory didn't need much more than a few hundred pennies.
Hours after the music icon was confirmed dead Thursday, the conservatory unveiled the newest penny artwork that honors Prince's legacy — naturally of the unpronounceable symbol Prince was known by during his "Artist Formerly Known As" years.
The penny artwork was created by Gustav Roman, who is in charge of the conservatory's fern room, said Marie Stringer, development assistant at the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance. The pond was then dyed purple with a non-toxic dye.
"He was on this quick yesterday," Stringer said. "You have to think creatively, too, because [the medium] is pennies and coins."
Inspired by current events and holidays, the conservatory's wishing pond has recently paid homage to David Bowie, the Chicago Blackhawks, the Chinese New Year and Black History Month. It's also played an integral part in a creative proposal, Stringer said, spelling out, "'Will you marry me?'"
"People get engaged and married here all the time, but that one was really special," she said.
The penny pond at the Garfield Park Conservatory features a symbol made out of pennies to honor Prince's legacy. [dnainfo/Stephanie Lulay]
The penny pond at the Garfield Park Conservatory features a symbol made out of pennies to honor Prince's legacy. [dnainfo/Stephanie Lulay]
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