Greektown Dinghies Statues Lining Halsted Street

There have been many fantastic art initiatives taking place in Greektown Chicago this summer, and the newest additions are the magnificent dinghy statues lining Halsted Street.

Living in a country largely surrounded by water, the ancient Greeks turned to the sea for food, transport, commerce and development. The sea was also a source of recreation, pleasure and myth. This important relationship between the Greeks and the sea continues today and is the inspiration for the dinghy sculptures. Not to mention, the first Greeks in Chicago arrived by ship in the 1840s.

In the past few weeks, 10 dinghies have been installed along Halsted Street. We encourage Greektown visitors to stop by and admire each one. We recommend making a day of it and also grabbing a bite to eat at one of Greektown’s restaurants. Each dinghy sculpture contains a plaque with more information and inspiration behind its design.

Without the help of Eve Moran and Connie Hinkle, these wonderful works of art wouldn’t have been possible. Congratulations to each of the talented artists!

• The Children of Chicago Children’s Theatre – Mapping The Unknown
• Connie Hinkle – On my Island
• Barrett Keithley and Mercy Home for Boys & Girls Mercy Young People – Waves of Hope
• James McNeill Mesplé – Poseidon’s Pearl
• Dino Crisanti and Mark Cristani – Row Row Rows
• Vicky Tesmer – Minoan Goddesses
• Michael Thompson – Charon
• Vasiliki Valkanas – Untitled
• YMCA Youth Safety and Violence Prevention (YSVP) youth and mentors – “The Boat” – Altitude
• Rebecca Zaragoza – Sarah Goes Traveling

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