Garden posts planted at Constitution Court

Forest Park Arts Alliance organized installation by 19 artists; some shared their inspiration and process

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:11pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A high-contrast, silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeating pattern of a wooden garden post sculpture adorned with carved flowers and leaves in a bold, neon color palette, capturing the joyful and whimsical nature of the public art installation.The vibrant garden post installation in Constitution Court brings a burst of creative energy and community spirit to Forest Park's urban landscape.Forest Park Today

The Forest Park Arts Alliance has installed 19 garden posts along Madison Street in Constitution Court, with artists sharing the inspiration and materials behind their creations. The posts range from 4-inch squares to 3-inch PVC pipes, and will be on display through May 22. Some artists used recycled materials like nuts, bolts, and rubber, while others incorporated nature-inspired elements like leaves and wood from a 200-year-old oak tree. The installation aims to brighten up the urban street and inspire the community.

Why it matters

The garden post installation is part of the Forest Park Arts Alliance's efforts to expand public art programming in the village. By engaging local artists to create unique, nature-inspired sculptures, the project aims to enhance the community's connection to the outdoors and foster appreciation for the arts. The installation also highlights the role of public art in uplifting people's spirits during challenging times.

The details

The 19 garden posts were created by artists from Forest Park and the surrounding area. Some of the notable pieces include Steve Metro's 'Fly Away Home' post, which features wooden ladybugs and reclaimed oak pieces, and Anthony Izzo's 'Garage Organic' post made from materials found in a former auto repair shop. Burt Isenstein's 'Gumball Stack' was 3D printed using recycled plastic, while Mark Hadhazy carved and painted his 'Metamorphosis of the Butterfly' post. Tamara Koransky's 'Peppy Petals' post showcases her love for floral mandala art. The artists hope the installation will brighten people's days and inspire them to incorporate more art into their own gardens and public spaces.

  • The garden post installation was unveiled on April 11, 2026.
  • The posts will be on display through May 22, 2026.

The players

Forest Park Arts Alliance

A local arts organization that organized the garden post installation at Constitution Court.

Steve Metro

A River Forest resident, retired engineer, and lifelong woodworker who created the 'Fly Away Home' garden post.

Anthony Izzo

The parks creative coordinator at the Park District of Forest Park, who created the 'Garage Organic' garden post.

Burt Isenstein

A Forest Park resident and professor at the School of The Art Institute of Chicago, who created the 3D printed 'Gumball Stack' garden post.

Mark Hadhazy

An artist with degrees in biology and studio art, who carved and painted the 'Metamorphosis of the Butterfly' garden post.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I am a plant, garden and nature lover and hope others can find peace and happiness in their own gardens and the outdoors. We all need to get out more in nature, appreciate this gift and collectively figure out a way to preserve it.”

— Steve Metro, Artist

“I wanted it to be something that almost looked like it was going to come alive and burst out of the ground.”

— Anthony Izzo, Parks Creative Coordinator, Park District of Forest Park

“I also wanted it to be bright and cheerful.”

— Burt Isenstein, Artist

“I hope people walk by, and it brings a smile to their face. Public art is so important. It can surprise people as they're going about a normal day.”

— Tamara Koransky, Artist

“Having this on a busy urban street in Forest Park, hopefully people, for a split second, turn to see something different. I really believe art subliminally affects people. I really believe that energy from art inspires people.”

— Anthony Izzo, Parks Creative Coordinator, Park District of Forest Park

What’s next

The garden posts will remain on display in Constitution Court through May 22, 2026. After that, the artists will have the option to auction off their posts or display them during the Historical Society of Forest Park's annual garden walk in July.

The takeaway

The garden post installation in Constitution Court showcases the power of public art to bring joy, inspiration, and a connection to nature to a community. By engaging local artists to create unique, nature-inspired sculptures, the Forest Park Arts Alliance is fostering appreciation for the arts and enhancing the vibrancy of the village's urban landscape.