Chamber's Chillin' in Palatine Oct. 13

Looking for an unusual piece of art for your backyard and a chance to support local charities?  'Chillin' in Palatine is for you! Hand decorated wooden ice chests, part
of the Palatine Area Chamber of Commerce’s ‘Chillin’ in Palatine’ community art
initiative, will be available for purchase at a public auction to be held on Thursday, Oct. 13 from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the hall located at 360 South Creekside Drive in Palatine.  

The 22 ice chests, decorated by local artists, debuted at the Palatine Area Chamber of Commerce’s community movie night on Aug. 21. They were then placed on display throughout the Palatine community and remained on display until Sept. 30. Locations included Towne Square, the Palatine Train Station, the Village of Palatine and numerous other locations in downtown Palatine.

Chamber Director Mindy Phillips said “We invite everyone to view the art pieces online in the photo gallery at the new Chamber website and look for their favorite.” Phillips noted that each of the items are appropriate for indoor or outdoor use. 

A highlight of the auction is the wooden ice chest designed by Alejandro Romero, an internationally known artist who has exhibited all over the world. Locally he has permanent works at the Museum of Contemporary Art, The Art institute of Chicago and the National Museum of Mexican Art. His poster work can also be seen annually at the Fiesta del Sol festival in Chicago. Romero also has public mosaic works at the Lincoln Park Zoo, Evanston Public Library and Galileo Scholastic Academy of Math and Science.

“In addition to the wooden ice chests, we also have 5 storage benches which will also appear in the auction,” said project chair Liz Noe of ElizEvents.  “These wooden ice chests retail for $170, but our bidding will start at $125, so we expect to see some competition in the auction.”

Each sponsor selected a local charity to support.  A total of 13 charities were selected and each will receive a portion of the proceeds of the ice chests final sale
price. The proceeds from the auction will also benefit the Palatine Area of Commerce scholarship fund.

Tickets for the auction are $40 through the Chamber website or at the door. Residents are encouraged to come out to support the artists, charities and sponsors of the event. Registration for the event can be downloaded from the Chamber website or by calling the Chamber office.  Ticket price includes a BBQ dinner, sundae bar by Culver’s, raffle prizes and a chance to participate in the
auctions.  Featured entertainment for the evening includes fingerstyle guitarist Merv Collins, Irish entertainer Dr. Gerry Aylward and the award winning Quest Academy choir.  

Lead sponsors for ‘Chillin' in Palatine' event are Harris Bank, Northrop Grumman, and Weber Stephens Products LLC, other top sponsors include Arlington Toyota & Scion, Palatine Bank & Trust and the Journal & Topics Newspaper.

For more information please contact the Palatine Area Chamber of Commerce at 847-359-7200, visit www.palatinechamber.com or e-mail info@palatinechamber.com.