The holiday lights illuminating the corner of 63rd Street and Stony Island Avenue this time of year aren’t just decorations; they adorn a carefully tended garden in front of Hyde Park Academy High School, a testament to the work of local artist William Hill and his student volunteers. The garden, a small sanctuary nestled amongst the city’s bustle, is one of several Hill has created in the Woodlawn neighborhood, a place he’s called home since his grandfather purchased their family house in 1945.
About seven years ago, the principal of Hyde Park Academy approached Hill, recognizing his talent for transforming neglected spaces into vibrant gardens and art installations. Faced with a weed-filled, garbage-strewn quarter-acre, Hill saw an opportunity. He recalled the initial state of the land: “It was so dense that you couldn’t see the front to the back.” But he relished the challenge, viewing his work as an expression of his deep love for his community.
Initially working alone, Hill cleaned, cleared, and planted evergreens, herbs, and flowers. He collaborated with other area artists to incorporate sculptures, transforming the space into a place for reflection. He eventually incorporated students through an After School Matters program, teaching them not only about gardening but also about healthy eating and the healing properties of plants.
On a recent blustery day, Hill, an older gentleman with thick silver braids peeking from under his beanie, spoke with his students. Fifteen-year-old Tamara Moses shared how her perspective on the garden, and on littering, had changed. “I realized what I was doing was actually really hurtful, and even I get quite irritated having to pick up trash every day,” she said. Fellow student Justin Baker, also 15, described the garden’s calming effect, highlighting the healing properties of the plants surrounding a concrete Buddha statue. “It just makes me feel nice,” he said simply.
The garden itself is a collection of carefully chosen elements: an old baby grand piano destined to be transformed into a butterfly sculpture, a large stone acting as a guardian, and a Tibetan evergreen that will eventually reach 15 feet and turn turquoise in winter. A large table and chairs provide a gathering space, recently used for a Juneteenth celebration. Tamara, whose artistic talents found an outlet in creating a large, lighted wreath for the garden, expressed her pride in the space. “I love painting and I love drawing…to see all the lights on it, it really makes me feel proud,” she shared, adding that the garden and her friends are what keep her engaged in school.
For William Hill, the transformation of this desolate street corner into a joyful gathering place for students, older residents, and the wider community is a source of immense pride. “That’s really what it is all about,” he concluded.