Neighborhood Enhancement Grant for Oakland Museum and Garden
by Yetta Starr
2022 Community Project Highlights
4th Ward Shines at Oakland Museum and Garden
South East Chicago Commission (SECC)
Neighborhood Enhancement Grant Project Spotlight
In 2022, the Oakland Museum and Garden was one of seven neighborhood organizations awarded a Neighborhood Enhancement Grant to support beautification and revitalization projects within Hyde Park, Kenwood, Oakland, Woodlawn and Washington Park communities.
“This month, we are highlighting the Oakland Museum and Garden (formerly known as the Oakland Museum of Contemporary Art) founded by the late sculptor Milton Mizenburg Jr. The Oakland resident created abstract wood sculptures while engaging neighbors on the vacant lot at the intersection of S. Lake Park Avenue and 41st Place. “I started carving the sculptures right there, in front of the people…this artwork is yours,” stated Mizenburg while sharing his story with an earlier Chicago Revealed program. He generously donated many artworks to enrich the community.
The Oakland resident created abstract wood sculptures while engaging neighbors on the vacant lot at the intersection of S. Lake Park Avenue and 41st Place. “I started carving the sculptures right there, in front of the people…this artwork is yours,” stated Mizenburg while sharing his story with a decade-old Chicago Revealed program. He generously donated many artworks to enrich the community.
Led by the museum’s founding steward Yetta Starr, community neighbors and the Mizenburg family are championing the cause to honor the artist’s legacy and preserve the cultural open space. The long-term vision for the pocket park is to be a community-managed and sustainable amenity. “Receiving a micro grant is essential to improve infrastructure rather quickly and to build momentum with the community and stakeholders,” said Starr.
This year’s NEG micro grant has spurred enthusiastic volunteerism to accomplish beautification projects including fabrication of concrete sculpture pads and new information signage. A hardscaped performance space is envisioned using pavers donated by the University of Chicago.”
– Excerpt from SECC newsletter post, September 2022
Initiated in 1999, the annual grant program was renamed the Shirley J. Newsome Beautification Program in 2023 to honor the late SECC former Board Chair and community leader.
Get-The-Vote-Out
To coincide with this year’s mid-terms, we hosted an end of season gathering to celebrate art and music, including a bold sign with a background created by neighborhood kids.
Beautification and Enhancement Progress
Improvements are coming along for the sculpture bases, paved performance area and upgraded signage by community volunteers and providers.
Thanks to the generosity of SECC, NeighborSpace, University of Chicago, QCDC, 4th Ward, Department of Forestry, Streets and Sanitation and our many donors, improvements are coming along for the sculpture bases, paved performance area and upgraded signage by community volunteers and providers. We especially appreciate the creative Tuesday jazz sessions this summer with Adam Zanolini and his fellow musicians.
2024 Update: Oakland Museum & Garden is a recipient of the 2024 Southeast Chicago Commission (SECC) Shirley J. Newsome Beautification Grant, a microgrant intended to “improve the quality of life and vibrancy” in designated communities.