Exhibit focuses on railroad's role in city's early growth

May 20, 2007 — Source: Naperville Sun, The (IL) — Author: Britt Carson

A shiny silver train looks as if it will jump right off the tracks and into the DuPage Children's Museum.

The new sculpture that sits in front of the DuPage Children's Museum entrance was unveiled to the public Friday. The sculpture faces the train station, which artist Christine Rojek said was her inspiration for the 18-month project.

"At first I thought this was as daunting task," said Rojek, who is from Chicago. "Then I saw the site for the sculpture, and it was perfect."

"Parting the Prairie" depicts a train and handcar traveling along the railroad tracks through the prairie.

"The train is the thing that shaped the city and is responsible for the dramatic growth of Naperville and changed the landscape forever," Rojek said.

Brand Bobosky, founder of the Naperville Century Walk who was involved in commissioning the sculpture, said the end result exceeded his expectations.

"This piece is about as accessible and hands-on as it gets," Bobosky said.

Five-year-old Owen Chilcoat of Naperville, whose family is a frequent visitor to the museum, was decked out in striped overalls and a conductor's hat and helped cut the ribbon during the ceremony.

For more information, visit www.dupagechildrensmuse um.org or call 630-637-8000.

Contact Britt Carson  at bcarson@scn1.com  or 630-416-5269.

Four-year-old Lucy McGrath of Clarendon Hills watches the dedication ceremony Friday afternoon for "Parting the Prairie," a new sculpture installed by the Naperville Century Walk at the DuPage Children's Museum in Naperville.

Section: AROUND TOWN — Page: 7