Side Street Studio Arts (SSSA), in partnership with the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission (ECAC), Your Neighbor Elgin, and community partners, is proud to announce that Nathan Adeosun, a 12-year-old Elgin student who recently completed sixth grade at Elgin Math and Science Academy and will attend Harvest Christian Academy this fall, has been selected as the featured young artist for Elgin’s America’s 250th Public Art Project.
The project is part of a statewide initiative celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Communities across Illinois were invited to imagine the future of America through public art, exploring what the ideals of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness might mean for generations to come.
Nathan’s submission stood out among entries from young artists throughout the Elgin community for its ambitious vision, thoughtful symbolism, and hopeful interpretation of America’s future.
His concept imagines the United States 250 years from now as a nation where the promises of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness have evolved into lived realities. At the center of the design is a monumental hand whose varied colors and textures symbolize the many people, cultures, and experiences that make up the nation. Surrounding elements include a butterfly symbolizing rebirth and transformation, the Statue of Liberty holding a flame and releasing a dove, a mother and child representing care for future generations, and a dancing couple celebrating joy, culture, and human connection. Together, these symbols envision a future America rooted in diversity, compassion, resilience, creativity, and shared purpose.
In his artist statement, Nathan writes:
"The sculpture represents the United States 250 years from now as a nation that has finally fulfilled its promise: diverse yet united, strong yet peaceful, innovative yet rooted in history, free yet compassionate, reborn yet recognizable."
The selection panel unanimously chose Nathan’s proposal, citing both the strength of the visual concept and the power of the accompanying artist statement.
Panelists described the work as “thoughtful, gentle, poignant, and beautiful,” while also noting the emotional impact of the proposal and its optimistic vision for the nation’s future.
Over the coming months, Nathan will work alongside SSSA, ECAC, Your Neighbor Elgin, and local professional artists to further develop the concept into a permanent public artwork for the Elgin community. Local professional artists will collaborate directly with Nathan throughout the design process, helping translate his vision into a large-scale public installation while preserving the core ideas that inspired the original submission.
The project team is currently seeking material donations, sponsorships, and contributions of time and expertise from local artists, fabricators, builders, and community members interested in helping bring Nathan’s vision to life.
"This project asked young people to imagine not only where our nation has been, but where it could go," said Erin Rehberg, Founder and Executive Director of SSSA. "Nathan’s work offers a vision grounded in empathy, resilience, and creativity."
"As Nathan’s mom, I’m incredibly proud to see his imagination and his heart reflected in this project," said Denise Adeosun. "What excites me most is that he approached the future of America with hope—not just for himself, but for others. To see his creativity recognized in this way is a gift, and I’m grateful he had the opportunity to dream boldly."
The completed public artwork is scheduled to be unveiled on Saturday, August 8, 2026, during Area 22: Arts, Crafts, and Oddities Fair as part of Elgin’s local America 250 celebrations.
In addition to the selected project, several young artists whose work was submitted will have opportunities to see their ideas celebrated through future public art initiatives, community displays, civic events, and special America 250 programming throughout the year.
The project is supported by the Illinois Arts Council’s America’s 250th Public Art Grant, helping communities across Illinois commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary through lasting public artworks.