Like every year around this time, my sister Jean texted, “The new benches are out.” That yearly text means a new season of Tinley Park’s Benches on the Avenue, an annual public art program. It gives me another reason to visit my sister in the suburb southwest of Chicago.

Featuring the work of amateur and professional artists, the benches brighten several blocks of the main strip downtown. Businesses and individuals who sponsor the benches get to keep them at the end of the season.

In its 23rd season, Benches on the Avenue runs May through October. We became aware of this public art many years ago when my sister moved there, but several years into the program. Fortunately, the Tinley Park website has a section for all 23 years of benches.

Every year there is a new theme. This year, to celebrate 250 years of America, the theme is Party in the USA! Themes include Mount Rushmore, the Constitution and other patriotic designs. There is even one with a Schoolhouse Rock! theme. Previous themes include Album Covers, Heroes and Villains, Fairy Tale Festival and Classic TV. I love seeing how the creative artists represent the themes.

The benches not only beautify the area, they are fully functional to take a rest. Also, since they are all within a few blocks, they can all be seen within a round trip of about a mile.

— John Wroblewski, online writer