MAGNIFICENT MILE — In summer 1999, Chicago launched what became a blockbuster outdoor exhibition that changed the way how the city felt about public art.

“Cows on Parade” consisted of hundreds of cow sculptures with different themes displayed across the city. Tourists and Chicagoans alike gravitated toward the sculptures for photo opps.

Twenty-seven years later, the Magnificent Mile Association is hoping to recapture some of that magic on a more focused basis with “Monuments of Stillness,” a new public art installation of 10 sculptures by New York artist Carole A. Feuerman.

The Carole A. Feuerman sculpture “Justice” in front of the Wrigley Building on Michigan Avenue. Credit: Gwen Ihnat/Block Club Chicago

The exhibit had its unveiling Wednesday in front of the Wrigley Building, with Alds. Brendan Reilly (42nd) and Brian Hopkins (2nd) in attendance, as well as other community leaders like events department Commissioner Kenya Merritt and Kimberly Bares, CEO of the Magnificent Mile Association.

“Welcome to the longest-running outdoor public art gallery in America: Michigan Avenue,” Hopkins said. “This tradition began almost 30 years ago. … We had the famous Cows on Parade installation, which really kind of started this idea that public art should be placed in the most accessible, prominent location for citizens, residents and tourists alike. And that installation started a long partnership with artists and cultural leaders that continues to this day.”

“I know there’s lots of TikTok and Instagram moments waiting to happen here,” Reilly said.

Artist Carole A. Feuerman speaks near the Wrigley Building at the unveiling of her outdoor summer exhibition “Monuments of Stillness.” Credit: Gwen Ihnat/Block Club Chicago

The installation consists of 10 sculptures featuring swimmers in various poses from the Wrigley Building to Oak Street along Michigan Avenue. Feuerman said many of the swimmer subjects were people from her own life. The swimmer in “Patience” is Feuerman’s “weight management doctor — she helped me lose 45 pounds.” The model for “Brooke with Beach Ball” in front of the shops at 900 N. Michigan Ave. was the 10-year-old daughter of Feuerman’s lawyer.

The Carole A. Feuerman sculpture “Bibi on the Ball” in front of the Shops at North Bridge on Michigan Avenue. Credit: Carol Fox & Associates

“For me, more than 50 years, I’ve explored two subjects that continue to fascinate me: the human form and water,” Feuerman said during a press conference at the unveiling. “Water is life, sustains us connects us, and reminds us that we’re part of a larger something other than ourselves. … To touch water is in many ways to touch infinity. Throughout my life, my happiest memories have been surrounded by people and water, and those experiences have found their way into my artwork.”

The installation starts with two sculptures at the Wrigley Building — “Justice” and “The Golden Mean” — and continues down Michigan Avenue. Two more sculptures — “Christina” in front of Neiman Marcus and “Contemplation (with Candy Pink Suit)” in front of Burdeen Jewelers — will be installed within the next few weeks.

The reflective nature of sculptures like “Justice” lets the viewer become part of the artwork, Feuerman said.

“Many of these figures appear suspended in thought, balance and contemplation,” Feuerman said. “Some are elevated on mirrored spheres that reflect the city, the sky and the people standing before them. When you look into those surfaces, you become part of the work, and that was my idea. The sculpture is not complete without you, the viewer. Your reflection enters the piece, and for a moment, your story becomes the story.”

River North’s Hilton Contemporary gallery offers a closer look at Feuerman’s artwork. For example, viewers can even spy the water droplets in this version of Feuerman’s “Survival of Serena.” Credit: Gwen Ihnat/Block Club Chicago

Those looking for a closer view of Feuerman’s art can also visit Arica Hilton’s Hilton Contemporary gallery at 716 N. Wells St., which contains more of the sculptor’s artworks.

The sculptures will be on display on Michigan Avenue until November, when they will depart for California.

Just about an hour after its unveiling, the Buddha-like “Justice” was already drawing attention from passersby.

Passersby take pictures of “Justice,” the Carole A. Feuerman sculpture in front of the Wrigley Building on Michigan Avenue. Credit: Gwen Ihnat/Block Club Chicago