It took the author more than two years, 112 pages, and 300 photographs to adequately tell the story of Naperville's Century Walk, a public art project that began in 1995. "It was a labor of love," she admits. "I served on the Century Walk Board for 12 years and thoroughly enjoyed watching the creative process of each piece. But when I spoke with the artists and learned how art impacted their lives, I realized that their stories needed to be an essential part of this book." It took Clare months to locate the artists or their family members and interview them.

In fulfilling its original mission to honor significant people, places and events of twentieth century Naperville, Century Walk has led in the creation of a remarkable gallery of art produced by accomplished sculptors, mosaic artists, and muralists. According to Clare, "Many people will be surprised to learn that Century Walk features artists who are known nationally and internationally or who are leaders in their fields. One of our artists, Emanuel Martinez, has three pieces of art in the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C. Another, Dennis Smith, had one of his sculptures, Signing the Constitution, placed in American Embassies in London, Moscow, and Prague. Dick Locher, who created the Dick Tracy sculpture, is well-known internationally and even earned a Pulitzer Prize."

Century Walk: Art Imitating History was commissioned by the Century Walk Corporation and was financed by a City of Naperville Special Events and Cultural Amenities (SECA) grant and by developers Dwight and Ruth Yackley, owners of BBM Incorporated. The book was beautifully designed by Lisa Johnson and Jack Jacobi of Gerard Design in Warrenville and was printed in Ohio by RR Donnelley. Photographs in the book were taken by Don Manderscheid, Robert McKendrick, and others.