The Matteson
Public Library has long played host to thousands, if not millions, of books
and virtually everyone knows that books are made out of trees. However, the 51-year-old
public library, located at 801
South School Avenue, in Matteson, Illinois 60443 is playing host through
the end of the year to a very different type and style of tree—the Mark A. Reed
Sr. Artificial Bonsai.
Accomplished artist, and Park Forest resident, Mark A. Reed
Sr., 66, was chosen to showcase his artificial Bonsai trees in the Matteson
Public Library’s display casing for the month of December 2012.
“The actual setup of the display was [intended for] the
month of December, but due to a November cancellation, was setup the Wednesday
before Thanksgiving,” is what Reed Sr. had to say about the timing of the
display setup. The early setup has now ensured that for approximately six
weeks, guests of the newly renovated million dollar all-white brick book castle
can enjoy a journey through the artistic manifestations of the father of nine.
Reed Sr. has created his Bonsai trees for more than a
decade-and-a-half, and has had his art showcased in three different libraries
(Homewood, Park Forest, and the current location in Matteson). His art has also
been exhibited in the Tall Grass Art
Association as “extras” on two different occasions, which were of
particular note because he accomplished the feat without ever negotiating the gallery
jury process for entrance and acceptance.
The current display in Matteson was also arranged with
little resistance, as “some years ago I discovered that local libraries have display
cases where individuals are allowed to feature things of interest in the case
for a month,” points out the self-taught artist, who resides approximately 10
minutes away in his residence in Park Forest, Illinois with his wife, Beverly
Jean, of 41 years.
The progression of displays has taken shape over the last
decade, as his first showcase existed in a “case that was small and low to the
floor, or at the eye level of a six-year-old,” acknowledges the headliner for
the upcoming Park Forest Art Fair, set to take place next September in the
downtown Park Forest Centre.
Sharing his art with the South Suburban community of Chicago
is something which this modern-day Renaissance man, and recent retiree has long
been is no stranger to. Reed Sr., former field-engineer for Beckton Dickinson,
has utilized his home, at the intersection of famed and historic US 30 and
Orchard Drive in Park Forest, as a canvas to advertise his unbridled love of
the Orient. His home has been featured in several news publications, and is currently
listed online in the Smithsonian
Magazine, on About.com
and ENewsParkForest,
among several other locations.
He appreciates the unique challenge of creating what he
considers the “Wow” factor for viewers, because “with all of my displays, [I
hope to] inform the viewer of my unique one-of-a-kind artwork,” mentions Reed,
who is referring to both the “Bonsai and the house.” He also strives to influence
and persuade “others to join me in challenging others to embrace the joy of
being different with excellence,” which is what the Birmingham, Alabama native
hopes to accomplish with his displays.
Differences are what have long made Reed stand-out among his peers and colleagues, and now that he has completely transitioned to his
life as an artist, he is continuing to distinguish himself. For a look at more
photos from the Matteson Library Bonsai display, go here,
and for a look at more photos of the house, go here.
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