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Community Art
The Community Art at the Brookfield Shops
Community art is vital for the Village of Brookfield, serving as a powerful medium for connection and expression. Visual art, such as the pieces to be displayed at the Brookfield Shops, transforms public spaces into dynamic canvases that reflect the town's unique character and collective identity. These installations become landmarks, fostering a sense of pride and belonging among residents and attracting visitors to our vibrant community.
Beyond visual art, performing arts—from local music to theatrical performances—breathe life into our shared spaces, turning everyday locations into hubs of creativity. By providing platforms for artists to share their talents, we create a richer cultural tapestry that encourages dialogue and collaboration. This combination of visual and performing arts not only beautifies our village but also strengthens the social fabric, making Brookfield a more connected and engaging place for everyone. Supporting community art is an investment in our shared future and a celebration of the creative spirit that defines us.
View Images From the Art Unveiling on October 31st, 2025!
Special THANK YOU to our Artist Showcase Partners!
To learn more about the Cook County Creative Placemaking Grant and upcoming improvements to the courtyard CLICK HERE
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Haylie Skripac
Haylie Skripac has been drawing and coloring since she was about 5 years old. She has always loved looking at other people’s art and was amazed at how it could make bare walls come alive. Haylie wanted to create art that could do the same thing. Haylie is studying art in college at Bethel University and will be graduating in May 2025 with a Liberal Arts degree. She hopes that when people look at her art they admire the hard work and dedication that was put into it. Haylie wants her pieces to make people feel as good as she did when creating them.
"One World One Community"
When Haylie thinks of community she thinks of neighbors coming together to make their space an inviting and peaceful place. She pictured people walking their dogs and waving to their neighbors, chatting with each other while picking up their mail, helping each other with daily tasks, or participating in recycling and gardening projects to make their community a better place for the future generations. People of all ages and backgrounds work side by side to make their community the best that it can be. Communities grow stronger when the people who live in it give their time and support to make it thrive for its residents and visitors. Her piece demonstrates that everyday actions, no matter how small, can make a big difference in one community, leading to a better world.
Joanna White
Joanna White is a local artist with 20+ years of experience in the Fine Art and Theatre world. She currently teaches Scenic Art at The Theatre School at DePaul University. Her past employment includes positions as an artist at Steppenwolf Theatre, Harpo Studios and Manhattan Theatre Club in NYC. Outside of her work as a scenic artist for theatre, she has completed several murals in various neighborhoods in Chicago as well as Elgin, Illinois.
"Sunrise Over Brookfield"
This piece is meant to be a celebration of creativity, community and small-town growth. Inspired by familiar homes and landmark buildings of Brookfield, the intention is to invoke the warmth and energy that is the life of the Brookfield Shops and 8 Corners as well as a reminder that Brookfield is more than a place on a map. It’s a living, breathing community rising towards brighter things everyday.
"Eight Points of Connection"
This piece is an abstraction of 8 Points - a map of relationships, stories and spirit. The painting is meant to represent the unique charm and resilience of the Brookfield Shops. The geometric lines suggest the infrastructure of the town, while the layered circles celebrate the cultural and individual diversity that defines the area. The dots are meant to symbolize the everyday interactions that bring neighbors together throughout our community. This painting is meant to honor the dreamers, the risk takers and the kind hearts who help to create spaces where everyone belongs.
"Bloom on the Corner"
This painting is a celebration of local beauty, resilience, and community growth.The intent is to bring life and color to this space all year long. The Brookfield Shops serve as a place where people can find new roots and grow. The hope is that this piece reminds us all to celebrate this.
Katie Carpenter
Facebook | IG: @LemonAndLilyPads TikTok @LemonAndLilyPads
Katie Carpenter is an artist living in Ohio (I know!) with her sweet little family. She's been in the art game for decades (but she looks so young, I know!) and loves learning new forms of art. From giant foods to costumes to paintings, Katie's artwork crosses the globe with collectors and shows both at home and internationally. Her style blends realism with a cartoon-like whimsy, and her goal is simply that the viewer leave with a smile.
"Grilled to Cheeses"
What can you say about a perfectly gooey grilled cheese? This universally beloved sandwich is a representation of how food has been bringing people together since the beginning of time. Gather your friends and family and enjoy a meal together soon!
"Quack Back 7"
A wonderful thing about a diverse and loving community is the freedom to be uniquely you. Some days that might mean you're gonna dunk your head in the water and hang out for a bit. And you know what, Katie is probably going to join you!
Mary Beth Zwolfer
Mary Beth Zwolfer is a retired professional interior decorator living in Palos Heights. She is married with 3 adult children and has 2 toddler granddaughters. Mary Beth has dabbled in watercolors and pen and ink drawings for fun, but she is working on learning to create the Brookfield Shops art in acrylics since it will be hanging outside. Mary Beth appreciates the opportunity to contribute to Brookfield’s latest community project.
"Neighbors Share Books"
Every Friday Mary Beth and her granddaughter, Georgia, go to the Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library where they read books and Georgia plays with other children. They also take an hour-long walk and stop at the numerous Little Free Libraries scattered in the neighborhood to find new books and drop in old books to share with her Brookfield neighbors. Because of her granddaughter’s love of books, the two have become connected to neighbors and everyone in the community.
Vicki Perry
IG: @vixjean5in1000
Vicki Perry-Buscemi is a Brookfield-based artist and maker. The unique crafts and mixed media work she produces is eco-conscious. The humor in her work stems from her forever muse, her late mother. In composing hand-painted signage and ornaments, she creates accessible treasures. Vicki's interests include collecting timeless vintage items and uncommon finds.
"Even Me "
This piece was inspired by the many “Brookfield is for Everyone” signs that are scattered around Brookfield. Brookfield is a welcoming community with signage proclaiming how EVERYONE BELONGS. The goofy giraffe represents the zoo, our love for giraffes, and the theme that Brookfield is for everyone, even me.
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Vivian Piña
IG: @vivianamphibian
Vivian Piña is an illustrator and a lifelong resident of Brookfield. Much of her creativity has been fueled by her background in classical dance, and she finds great inspiration from artist Mary Blair. She is very thankful for her art teachers at Brook Park, SE Gross, RBHS, and Columbia College Chicago for guiding and encouraging her to create. Her work strives to show the beauty of diversity and celebrate our differences.
"Kiwanis Park"
This artwork is a celebration of childhood. Communities thrive when there are safe spaces for children to learn, explore, and play. Children deserve to be seen and respected as important members of our community, and this piece aims to capture the joy of community growth and empowerment that is found in Brookfield. This piece also serves as a gratitude and remembrance of the artist’s childhood in Brookfield. Her memories of Kiwanis Park, whether after school, during baseball games, or when enjoying the space with family and friends, are dear to her heart. She wishes these experiences for her own daughters and all the children of Brookfield.
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Carla Riseman
Facebook | IG: @ThunderMoonStudio
Carla Riseman is a mixed-media artist, art teacher, and surface pattern designer whose playful, whimsical artwork examines themes of hope, love, and belonging. Working primarily in acrylic, collage, and watercolor, Carla draws inspiration from the natural world to create imaginative artwork that she hopes will deepen viewers’ connections to themselves, one another, and their communities. She regularly shares her love of art and creative expression in her popular art classes at the Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library. Carla is also known in Brookfield for her hidden art projects that foster connection and illustrate our shared humanity.
"Brookfield Grows Together"
In Brookfield Grows Together, Carla Riseman celebrates the heart of Brookfield through three panels titled Brookfield Shops, Retail Roots, and Community Grown. This series graphically depicts the heart and soul of the eight corners with hand lettering and imagery inspired by the first cohort of the Brookfield Shops at Progress Park. In Brookfield Grows Together, Carla conveys the energy, creativity, and connection fostered in this local space. This series reflects on a community centerpiece built and nurtured with care, collaboration, and love, while showcasing the power of supporting one another, the comfort of belonging, and the contentment of a town to call home.
"From Brookfield, With Love"
In From Brookfield, With Love, Carla Riseman honors the joy we find in connection and the pride we take in our local identity. This series explores the spirit of Brookfield through a postage stamp motif, making it a love letter of sorts to the coffee shops, restaurants, and markets at the heart of Brookfield’s community. Within each postage stamp there is an illustration of an item you’d find at a local business, inviting viewers to pause and appreciate the people and places that make our village special.
