Public Art: Tribute

Tribute, 2023 

By Jen Kresl

Steel Envy LLC, Warrenville IL

Steel / Stainless Steel

Location: Bob Walters Commons between City Hall and the Library 

Like the horses that frequently grace the nearby Prairie Path, this piece symbolizes beauty, strength, and majesty, as well as embodying characteristics with which most people hope to identify in themselves and in their leaders: independence, freedom, endurance, confidence, courage, and heroism. The winged horse Pegasus, from mythology, is known to be a guide for humankind beyond the physical world to the  realm where the spirit can soar without limit. It is the hope of the TAC commissioners that this work of art will be a catalyst for imagination as viewers young and old share stories this piece is sure to inspire. By repurposing tools, machine parts, and scrap metal so cleverly into her pieces, Jen’s work encourages viewers to visually explore the assorted components and to marvel at the way they combine to create something so completely original and inspirational! 

Warrenville resident, Jen Kresl, spent many years working in the corporate world, but knew she wanted to switch gears. In 2017, she signed up for a three-day metal sculpture class and found her passion: creating artwork! She continued working a corporate job while honing her welding skills and creating sculptures to benefit various causes, including SHARE Horse Rescue, Special Olympics Illinois, and AHERO USA. In 2019, Jen realized it was time to take the leap and start creating full time.

Since then, Jen has been featured on podcasts, TV, and has had her work installed in multiple locations. Although most of Jen’s work to-date has been commissioned by private collectors, her work can also be seen in front of Warrenville’s Towne Tap and in the garden at Batavia’s Sidecar Supper Club. Jen was featured on WGN’s Around Town with Ana Belaval. Jen Kresl, and her custom metalwork business, Steel Envy LLC, are fast becoming one of Warrenville’s artistic treasures. To view more of Jen’s work and see her segment on WGN, please visit https://www.steelenvy.com/

Warrenville Tourism and Arts Commission 2023