Architecture created by Oak Park youth on display at 119 N. Marion Street

The Oak Park Education Foundation is pleased to take part in activities planned for “Architecture Week in Oak Park,” April 12 – 18, 2010. To celebrate this proclamation by the Village Board, OPEF will exhibit architectural models created by children who have participated in Architecture Adventure workshops in District 97 schools. OPEF has partnered with David King and Associates to showcase student architectural work in the display windows of a vacant storefront at 119 North Marion Street.

The show will include large-scale chess pieces that take the shape of landmark buildings created by 4^th and 5^th grade students at Whittier School, large-scale building models constructed of corrugated board, papier maché, and recycled materials for a miniature golf course designed by Longfellow 5^th graders, and designs for a green home for Oak Park created by middle school students. It will also feature a sampling of unique hand drawings and designs - including landscape plans created by 5^th graders at Irving school and three-dimensional drawings created by Lincoln 3^rd graders using the “Sketch Up” computer design program.

Through the Architecture Adventure program, District 97 students learn about architecture by working with visiting architects, designers and construction experts, designing and building projects, and taking field trips to Oak Park and Chicago sites of interest.

Other events being planned that week include scavenger hunts that are part of the Oak Park Architecture Photo Party, which is coordinated by the Oak Park Architectural League. Additional community activities will be held in conjunction with Visit Oak Park and other local organizations.

The Oak Park Education Foundation brings artists, architects, scientists, and technology experts in K-8th grade classrooms at every District 97 School. OPEF’s professional partners share their passion for learning while conducting hands-on projects with more than 3,000 students each year. OPEF also runs the Global Village, Art Start, Vex Robotics, and Geared Up programs. The Oak Park Education Foundation is a privately funded, non-profit organization.