MAXWELL STREET GARDEN MEMORIAL BENCHES
These memorial benches were created over the span of several preparatory sessions, and then many more days working onsite at Maxwell Street Community Gardens, with family and friends of beloved community garden members, Janet Jannotta Dietz and Eric McKamey. Through mosaic depictions of beloved activities and things- from pollinator plants to yarn, pickle and disco balls- and a place to sit amongst such beauty- a plethora of blooms and buzzing activity- Janet and Eric have been and will be remembered.
Many thanks to the dedication of so many members of the community, Fosco Park District staff, Chicago Fire Engine Company 18, and Firebird Community Arts for the original introduction. Additional thanks to Nancy Plax, Anne Farley Gaines, Maxwell Street Community Garden president Marsha Wyatt, and the much-adored Mandrake Picklers, especially Darthula and Ella.