Watch a New Piece of Elgin Come to Life Saturday, June 27

A new piece of Elgin is about to be revealed.

On Saturday, June 27 at 10 a.m. at DuPage Court, the City of Elgin invites you to experience the unveiling of an original cityscape artwork by nationally recognized folk artist Eric Dowdle, alongside the debut of a permanent public art installation by local artist Alisa Duda.

At the center of it all is Dowdle’s signature No Missing Piece ceremony—a community event that celebrates connection, belonging, and the idea that every person and place helps complete the larger picture.

Created as part of Dowdle’s national Land That I Love tour honoring America’s 250th anniversary, the artwork brings Elgin to life through its landmarks, neighborhoods, traditions, and everyday places that define the city’s character. Elgin was the first community in Illinois selected for the project.

“This project has a little piece of my heart,” said Amanda Harris, director of Cultural Arts & Special Events for the City of Elgin. “I love that Eric visited Elgin and saw all of this on his own. He really immersed himself and saw Elgin as it is. That’s truly magical. Elgin should be proud to know that this is what people see when they come here.”

Also debuting that morning: The Heart of Elgin, a series of artist-designed manhole covers created by Alisa Duda and installed permanently in DuPage Court. The installation celebrates Elgin’s downtown architecture, using a commonly overlooked item as a canvas.

“The manhole covers were a very outside-the-box idea, but Elgin stepped up to the challenge, like always,” said Harris. “Alisa really outdid herself on these. They celebrate the architecture of the downtown but also serve as maps. It’s incredible. I can’t wait for the public to see these.”

And happening on-site:

•    Limited-edition 500- and 1,000-piece puzzles featuring the Elgin artwork available for purchase.

•    Puzzle inserts highlighting the local landmarks featured throughout the design.

•    Live on-site printing of Alisa Duda’s manhole cover artwork. Bring your own T-shirt for a custom, one-of-a-kind print!

•    Following the event, puzzles will be available at select locations throughout Elgin. These editions will be sold locally for one year before becoming available worldwide.

Come, enjoy and take home a piece of Elgin.

Contact

Heather Moore

Marketing Specialist 

Cultural Arts & Special Events

(847) 931-6097

heather.moore@elginil.gov

elginil.gov