‘Art On Fire’ Contest Applications Now Open In Geneva

GENEVA, IL — “Art on Fire,” a hydrant design program that takes place in Geneva, is returning this year, officials announced Tuesday.

Established by Mayor Kevin Burns in 2013, the “Art on Fire” competition gives residents an avenue to showcase their artistic creativity with the community. So far, more than 100 hydrants have been painted throughout town, officials said.

A virtual tour of all decorated hydrants can be found on Geneva’s website.

The offering is a collaboration between the City of Geneva and the Cultural Arts Commission.

The competition is free and open to the public, with the application deadline set for 4:30 p.m. on June 30. Although there is no specific theme required for “Art on Fire,” Geneva middle school students can try their hand in a special award category offered by the city’s International Cultural Exchange Committee. To participate, students can choose to paint their hydrants under the themes of “international friendship” or “Croissy-sur-Seine,” a suburb of Paris that’s Geneva’s partner city.

The competition comes in after painting is complete. Geneva’s Public Art Advisory Committee, Cultural Arts Commission, International Cultural Exchange Committee and people from Croissy-sur-Seine will judge the hydrants, according to a news release from city officials. Prizes will be awarded to winners of both the overall program and the new ICEC category.

Interested residents with questions can contact Cultural Arts Commission staff liaison Cate Tracy at 630-938-4555 or [email protected].