Young Heights artists create, share new mural

tudent artists who contributed to a new mural, inspired by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama and under the guidance of HHES Elementary art teacher Cheri Trachtman, include (back row, from left) Ariel Allwardt, Stella Seall, Jaedon Melson, Lyla Bentley, and Bentley Wine; and (front row, from left) Matt Hiday, Tommy Kloepfer, Briley Bailey, Hans Kloepfer, and Amelia Hoffman. Not pictured: Anthony Meier.

The most recent work of art to be featured on the Iris Rubber Company building in Cicero is a painting created by students at Hamilton Heights Elementary School commemorating the work of artist Yayoi Kusama. Kusama, 92, is one of the most celebrated Japanese contemporary artists. She works primarily in sculpture and installation, but is also active in painting, performance, video art, fashion, poetry, fiction, and other arts. Her work is based in conceptual art and was inspired by American Abstract impressionism.  She credits creating art to having a positive influence on her mental health.