Jerzy Kenar: The Polish immigrant behind Chicago's 'Sh** Fountain'

CHICAGO -- His "Sh** Fountain" was created after he stepped in a pile outside his home.

"It sparks my brain, so I have to do it," artist Jerzy Kenar recalled.

That is the story behind one of Chicago's most unusual and popular tourist attractions. But, all of Kenar's art didn't go to waste!

Kenar's beautiful artistry can be seen in churches, parks, the Harold Washington Library and other venues throughout the Chicago area. His art was also acquired by private collectors, where it proudly stands between works by Chagall and Picasso.

Kenar came to Chicago as a Polish immigrant, but life was not easy back then. When he started out he was in desperate need of a loan, but recalls that the loan officer did not think highly of starving artists, and refused his request.

"Artist? Alcoholic and druggy man, get out!" Kenar said, remembering the loan officer's attitude towards him.

Kenar was not deterred and got his first break when the pope came to Chicago in 1979. While he was walking his dog late at night, he ran into a Catholic bishop who needed a cross and other art to beautify his church for the pope. Kenar immediately told the bishop he could do it.

The rest is history. Kenar's reputation and art took off.

Today, Kenar's paintings and sculptures grace Chicagoland and include intricately carved crosses and holy figures with "echoes of Africa" at St. Sabina Church in an African American community, massive stainless steel "immigrant" doors at Holy Trinity Church representing Chicago's Polish community, 1,000 pound boulders depicting names of famous African American heroes, LGBTQ+ art, a sculpture depicting children who lost their lives to violence, angels and a towering sculpture paying homage to his mother and father.

Kenar's art is as diverse as it is inspirational. A frame with several punched-out glass panes hangs in his Wicker Park neighborhood studio. He created this piece to be autobiographical, but it is a metaphor for life. Each punch in the pane represents the experience of winning, loosing, failure, success, fear and hope.

Kenar often sits in front of his art to meditate and to reflect on his life's journey. He is still creating, and his studio is open to the public by appointment.

Follow @kenarart on Instagram to view Kenar's inspiring work.