Your friends are visiting from out of town, and you've already taken them to see the skyscrapers, the pizza, and "the Bean." So what's next? How about a piece of art that is undeniably like none other?
In front of the residence at 1001 N Wolcott Ave is a 3-foot high concrete column upon which sits a bronze sculpture that resembles... uh... let's say 'poop'. Jerzy S. Kenar, its creator, calls the piece of art "S--- Fountain."
Kenar, 60, owns the residence and "The Wooden Gallery" next door. He has an impressive list of accomplishments, including a permanent exhibition at O'Hare, a permanent installation at the Chicago Athenaeum, and a sculpture in the Harold Washington Library Center.
But none of his work grabs attention quite like this oddity does.
"This [work] is dedicated to all the dogs in the neighborhood," Kenar told Time-Out Chicago. The dog-owner artist installed the fountain in July 2005, after being annoyed with locals who did not pick up after their pets.
"I have flowers in front of the gallery, and someone [will be] walking their dog, and the dog is jumping there... and [expletive] there, and someone is not picking [it] up," he said.
Reactions have been mixed.
"I initially thought it was simply a sculpture of poo, but it is in fact a functioning fountain. I can only imagine that in the winter it looks like a huge pile of steaming dung," says commenter Maya C. "The next time I need a quick chuckle, I'll remember this little gem."
"I don't understand why anyone would have this in front of their house. It's just awful," retorts Hilja C.
Many argue that the purpose of art is to incite reaction and emotion. If that's the case, then mission accomplished.
Matt Bartosik, editor of Off the Rocks' next issue and "between blogs" blogger, hopes you have a non-poopy day.
