Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park at Governors State University

Very often I go outside in the course of my job. And I also often bring my camera. In the course of helping run the Illinois Open Technology Challenge, I have been to the campus of Governors State University to do meetups with government, developers, students, and faculty about open data and making technology that makes lives better.

In the course of doing that, I have encountered the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park. I can be very cynical about public sculpture, but this place is wonderful. I have only just walked a teeny bit of the place, and encountered only four of the 27 pieces, but each of them is serious business. Set in a manicured, rolling prairie with well-considered site lines and great pacing, the place is a joy. I look forward to spending a whole day down there.

For now, here's my set on Flickr, and a few of my faves:

Frame, 2005, Richard Rezac. What a great idea-- to place an artificial frame on a natural plane

Paul, 2006, tony Tasset Lots of people want to be Claes Oldenburg. This guy gets there,

Phoenix, 1968, Edvins Strautmanis Imagine the fiery sun setting on this piece.

Flying Saucer, 1977, Jene Highstein A smooth wonder.