September 9 - January 7

All ages. Explore imaginary, colorful alebrijes on display throughout the Library. "Alebrijes" stem from Mexican folklore, and embody characteristics from many animals to create fantastical creatures. The 20 (8 large and 12 small) sculptures include Goliath, a 16-foot deer, giraffe and eagle, and Lacuarium, a seahorse-meets-dragon.

9 de sept. al 7 de ene.

Un grupo de alebrijes imaginarios y coloridos en exhibición en toda la Biblioteca. Los alebrijes provienen del folclore mexicano y encarnan características de muchos animales para crear criaturas imaginarias y fantásticas. Las 20 esculturas fueron creadas por un equipo de seis artistas de la Ciudad de México.

Exhibit Scavenger Hunt & Win Prizes

Grab a scavenger hunt map at the Main Library and explore the exhibit to win prizes.

Take a photo with your favorite alebrije and text it to 847-857-7740. Pick up a button with your picture on it at the Main Library drive-up window within 5 business days from the day of the text. One photo will be chosen at random January 8 to win the grand prize: a creative art basket!

Búsqueda de alebrijes y gana premios

Encuentra 10 palabras secretas en diferentes alebrijes luego entregue su mapa en el mostrador de Atención al cliente para obtener un premio.

Tome una foto con su alebrije favorito y envíela al 847-857-7740 y recoja un botón con esa imagen en la ventana de la Biblioteca Principal dentro de 5 días. Una foto será elegida al azar en enero para ganar el gran premio: ¡una canasta de arte creativa!

News

Daily Herald-News - Thursday, September 14, 2023 - by Rick West

Immerse in the magic of Mexican fok art with Alebrijes Exhibit in Elgin

Colorful, fantastical creatures that escaped the imaginations of five Mexican artists have found a home in the real world at the Gail Borden Library in Elgin.

Press Release 9/13/23: Alebrijes Artists in Residence at Gail Borden Public Library until September 15

Alebrijes Mayor Proclamation 9/12/23

Elgin Courier-News - Wednesday, September 6, 2023 - by Mike Danahey

Colorful and fantasical, ‘alebrijes’ take over the Gail Borden Public Library in its latest huge exhibit

Twenty fantastic, colorful beasts are brightening Elgin’s Gail Borden Public Library, just in time for Hispanic Heritage Month and Day of the Dead celebrations.

Press Release 8/22/23: "Alebrijes - Creatures of a Dream World" Energize Imagination at the Gail Borden Public Library

Events

Kick-off Unveiling 9/12 - Inauguración de exhibicion 12 de Sept.

Mexican Independence Day Celebration

Saturday, 9/16 - 3:30-5 pm | Festival Park, 132 S. Grove Ave

Visit the special alebrije, Juki, at the Library table as we celebrate Mexican Independence Day together. There will be folkloric dances by the “Mexican Dance Group Macehualitzli,” the musical participation of Andrea Michel, Jose Diaz and Xitali “La chaparrita de oro,” the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, the performance of “El Grito de Dolores” and more.