Sculptures on the Fox

When it comes to enhancing the riverfront experience, the River Corridor Foundation of St. Charles has placed a high priority on beautification and cultural impact. One of the key cornerstones of this initiatives is our Sculptures on the Fox program. Bringing world-class artwork to shores of the Fox River and public spaces, the foundation strives to identify, commission and install enduring and compelling sculptures. Most recently, three works have been created and installed, respectively, along the Bob Leonard Walkway, near City Hall and on the west bank of the river just north of Baker Hotel and just south of Salernos on the Fox.

With financial support from Tom & Cris Anderson, Grand Victoria Riverboat Foundation, Community Foundation of Fox River Valley, City of St. Charles and the Active River Project, we purchased and installed the “Wind Emotions” sculpture at its location on the west side of the river where the Anderson family harvested ice years ago. It features three poles, the tallest being 29 feet. On top of the poles are wind-driven, kinetic pieces that move in a synchronized manner, illuminated at night by ground lighting.

The cornerstone of the Sculptures on the Fox initiative is the majestic “If I Could  But Fly” sculpture. Purchased by the River Corridor Foundation of St. Charles in memory of Bob Leonard, it is located along the Walkway also bearing his name, behind the brownstones just south of the Indiana St. Pedestrian Bridge. The City of St Charles, the River Corridor Foundation of St. Charles, Downtown St Charles Partnership, and Public Art Committee all contributed to the project. The late Bob Leonard was a main visionary of the Fox River being a centerpiece of the community. His focus has since been adopted by these partnering organizations, along with the St. Charles Park District, St. Charles Kiwanis, St. Charles Rotary and Pottawatomie Garden Club of St Charles.

A third piece – “Reflections” – located on the riverfront plaza just north of City Hall, was also jointly purchased and installed by the River Corridor Foundation of St. Charles and the same partnering organizations listed above.