Macho Monument Movement Update - Downers Grove - January 2026
This week was significant for the Macho Monument Movement here in Downers Grove. A group of concerned residents showed up the Village Council meeting to discuss the proposed "Public Art Program" and the placement of public art in the first three of what the Village is calling their 'Flexible Amenity Spaces' that are being created in Downtown Downers Grove as part of their recently ratified Guiding DG Streetscapes Comprehensive plan.
That's what we saw this week on Public Art.
Up for discussion this past Tuesday was the idea of proceeding with the Public Art Program under a two-phase approach. The first phase was tentatively suggested to include the purchase of what the Village Staff called (page 3) "existing artworks for flexible
amenity areas that will be constructed in 2026".
After discussion between the Commissioners, the Mayor, Village Staff and residents - including my high school friend, neighbor and founder of the Macho Monument Movement Kevin Larke - the Village Commissioners and Mayor agree'd to take a beat, reconsider and (at this time) NOT move forward with rushing to purchase "existing artworks".
That's a win for our Macho Monument Movement.
But, it is also a win for good government. This is how government should work. Especially local government. They listened, read and were informed ahead of the meeting. Then, they talked, shared their ideas, thought out-loud and discussed options. I know we hear it all the time and that it is easy to proclaim that all politics/government is totally broken and toxic and dysfunctional. Some of them are.
But this public art discussion in Downers Grove this week reminded me that these people (who we elect to local positions) are volunteering their time, trying to make a difference, working hard to act very civil towards each other and...at the end of the day...they want to do what's best for the community. They have to balance many factors and then make decisions based on the information available.
That's what we saw this week on Public Art.
There was excitement before/during and after the meeting amongst the Macho Monument group that gathered there and online. It was also the first time that the Macho Monument moved showed up IRL. And...that was powerful to be TOGETHER. As a Macho Monument Community. Here's a look at just part of the Macho Monument Crew that showed up Tuesday. I'm NOT in the photo - as I took it.
To be sure....There are some questions to answer about the direction of the Public Art Program (by the Village themselves and the community at-large) including (but not limited to): "Who" is in charge of approving the art? Which of the criteria are most important in selecting the works? When will the 'pedestals' be ready? Which of the 30 proposed locations should be prioritized? What budget should be spent on the art? And how does it get funded? Are the art pieces considered permanent or rotating? I'm sure there are way more than these, but you get the idea.
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Be nice to each other here.