The City of Elmhurst’s Public Arts Commission and Elmhurst City Centre will partner again to bring you Umbrella Sky Elmhurst in 2024 at the same three downtown Elmhurst locations–only the sixth city across the United States to host the colorful displays.
The Umbrella Sky Project, created by Impact.Plan in 2012, began in Águeda, Portugal, with a dream to bring color and fantasy to cities across the world. In the last decade, Impact.Plan has expanded Umbrella Sky to more than 170 international installations and have brought explosions of creativity and bursts of color to the streets of France, Japan, Spain, Norway and more.
Sponsored by Community Bank of Elmhurst, more than 300 brightly colored umbrellas will fill Schiller Court at York and Schiller streets, beginning April 20. Another round of umbrellas, in a new color palette, will replace the first set in early July and remain in place through the Rock the Block Party in mid-September.
Sponsored by Lakeside Bank, Color Rain, a vibrant collection of multi-colored ribbons, will adorn the structure at 110 South Cottage Hill Avenue near the cultural campus featuring the Elmhurst Art Museum, Elmhurst Public Library and Elmhurst Park District’s Wilder Park. While striking and photogenic when the ribbons are still, the wind greatly enhances the beauty of this display. Color Rain will turn colors in mid-July and the new display will be in place through September.
Sponsored by Elmhurst Bank, the world premiere of Layers will be displayed at the North York Stage at 254 North York Street in front of the public parking garage. Waves of fabric will hang overhead beginning late April. Like the other installations, a second display will be installed in mid-July and remain in place through September. The North York Stage is home to the Wednesday Nights Live Music Series held every Wednesday evening from June 5 through August 7.
Additional thanks to our installation sponsor, International Contractors, Inc and the JCS Arts, Health, and Education Fund of DuPage Foundation for their generous donation.
An Umbrella Sky Opening Day Party along Schiller Street east of York Street is scheduled for Saturday, April 27, from 4 to 7 p.m. The party will feature live music from The Sam Fazio Band and beer/wine will be sold to be enjoyed on the street.