The Conservation Foundation’s Art of the Fox program strives to connect people and communities to the beauty, diversity, and importance of the Fox River through art. It started with a series of plein air paintings by artist-in-residence Joel Sheesley that shared both iconic and little-known views of the Fox River on canvas in all seasons. The Conservation Foundation is now focusing on public art installations that celebrate this beautiful and vital waterway. The goal is to create features that are publicly accessible, celebrate diverse local voices, and connect people to place and nature.
Art of the Fox is moving to East Dundee! With the vision of Village of East Dundee’s Arts Council, the community had several public art installations that aligned with the Art of the Fox initiative, resulting in new and existing projects being considered. These public art projects include three murals that beautify Village Hall, buildings along the Fox River Trail and the new downtown parking garage, as well as four sculptures, all centering around local wildlife and the Fox River. The four sculptures are being treated as a single submission and includes a co-applicant – The Village of West Dundee! Both East Dundee and West Dundee have equally partnered on the purchasing and maintenance of the four sculptures, which will be installed later this fall along the Fox River on pillars that previously housed ice booms.
“Some of the best art happens outdoors, where the setting becomes part of the work,” shared Andy Sauder, Trustee for the Village of East Dundee and Co-Chair of the Arts Council. “Bringing art into a natural space like this lets people slow down and see their surroundings differently. I can’t wait to see it come together.”
On October 10, 2026 from 2:00-5:00pm, a Launch Event and Art Walk will celebrate East Dundee joining The Conservation Foundation’s Art of the Fox initiative.
At the event:
- Pick up a passport of East Dundee’s public art and join the self-guided Art Walk
- Hear from the artists who created the installations
- Visit local art vendors
- Explore hands-on, eco-friendly activities for the entire family
- Enjoy nature and art giveaways
Free and open to all!
“The Conservation Foundation is a wonderful partner for the East Dundee Arts Council, inspiring mindfulness, creativity, and a deeper appreciation for the natural beauty that surrounds us in the Fox River Valley,” commented Tricia Saviano, Trustee for the Village of East Dundee and Co-Chair of the Arts Council. “We are so excited to be working with them!”
Previously, The Conservation Foundation partnered with the Batavia Public Arts Initiative, a committee of Water Street Studios, to bring a series of 10 nature-inspired murals to the Jeffery D. Schielke Government Center. The murals, each created by a unique artist, line a community gathering space, the public Riverwalk, Fox River, and lead to a wildflower sanctuary. Read more here.