Public art project by Yoko Ono unveiled in Jackson Park

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Sky Landing, a permanent art display created by Yoko Ono, in Jackson Park. | Santiago Covarrubias/Sun-Times

Artist-singer Yoko Ono has unveiled her first permanent public installation in the U.S. in a Chicago park that will be home to President Barack Obama’s library.

Ono was in Jackson Park Monday on the South Side for the debut of “Sky Landing,” which features 12 large steel lotus petals emerging from the ground.

Ono says the artwork is “place where the sky and earth meet and create a seed to learn about the past and come together to create a future of peace and harmony, with nature and each other.”

The idea for the sculpture started when Ono visited the area during a cherry blossom tree installation three years ago.

Sky Landing is part of a $29 million investment in returning the park to the original vision of landscape artist Frederick Law Olmsted. Ono’s artwork was announced in June 2015. That $29 million worth of work also includes a new pavilion at a restored Jackson Park Music Court.

The Obama Foundation in July said the presidential library would be built in Jackson Park.

Contributing: Stefano Esposito

Mayor Rahm Emanuel walks with Yoko Ono as she leaves the unveiling ceremony of Sky Landing, a permanent art display created by her, in Jackson Park on Monday. | Santiago Covarrubias/Sun-Times

Mayor Rahm Emanuel walks with Yoko Ono as she leaves the unveiling ceremony of Sky Landing, a permanent art display created by her, in Jackson Park on Monday. | Santiago Covarrubias/Sun-Times

Yoko Ono speaks at the unveiling ceremony of “Sky Landing,” a permanent art display in Jackson Park, created by her. | Santiago Covarrubias/Sun-Times

Yoko Ono speaks at the unveiling ceremony of “Sky Landing,” a permanent art display in Jackson Park, created by her. | Santiago Covarrubias/Sun-Times

Dancers perform Monday at the unveiling of “Sky Landing,” a permanent art display in Jackson Park created by Yoko Ono. | Santiago Covarrubias/Sun-Times

Dancers perform Monday at the unveiling of “Sky Landing,” a permanent art display in Jackson Park created by Yoko Ono. | Santiago Covarrubias/Sun-Times

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