‘Miss Nitro’ gets its new home: The Art Center of Highland Park

One of Highland Park’s most recognizable sights is ready for its big move.

Peter Voulkos’ “Miss Nitro,” displayed outside the Highland Park Public Library for 52 years, will be relocated to The Art Center of Highland Park, 1957 Sheridan Road, following City Council approval on July 13.

The decision will bring the celebrated sculpture just over a mile away as early as October or, if delayed, next spring.

The sculpture — at 14 feet tall and 50 feet long — is made of bronze pieces and was welded together on-site by Voulkos. His interest was to create a work that invites visitors to enjoy the piece not just by “observing” it, but by “stepping into it” and the space it creates, according to the City.

“We are very excited to relocate [Miss Nitro] to the Central Business District, right in front of the most renowned arts center in the region,” Neukirch said. “She’ll have great visibility and I think it will be very well received.” 

Last fall, the Cultural Arts Advisory Group recommended relocating “Miss Nitro” to Brown Park, but because of the sculpture’s size relative to the park space and a risk of people climbing on it, City staff determined not to move forward with that location. 

In preparation for the library renovation and expansion, the sculpture was in 2025 disassembled and transported to an off-site storage facility managed by the City. 

The Arts Center is a City-owned property that, according to the city, offers numerous advantages for the relocation of the piece, including proximity to the Central Business District and civic buildings as well as parking and pedestrian access. 

Neukirch also said the move aligns well with The Art Center’s mission. 

Art Center Executive Director James Lynch said the center’s goal is to be a hub for creative exploration, and he sees the center more as a cultural center than an arts center. 

“To have a big piece like [Miss Nitro] on the lawn that’s so iconic to fit with the other pieces we have, it’s like the icing on the cake,” Lynch said. “It is a great honor for us to have it. I thoroughly intend to brand ourselves with [Miss Nitro], use it, to announce a new era for The Art Center.” 

Moving “Miss Nitro” to The Art Center is the “best possible scenario” for a solution, he said. The location will be “visible” and “enjoyed by all,” Lynch added. 

“Miss Nitro” will bring “more attention” to The Art Center, something Lynch will enjoy as he has found the center has often been referred to as the “hidden gem.” He doesn’t mind being a gem; the hidden is the problem, he said. 

Like The Art Center’s cow, “Miss Nitro” will be the center’s newest mascot integrated into educational programs, exhibits or events the center hosts. 

Down the line, Lynch plans to add some benches and potentially a plaque near the large sculpture to enhance people’s experience with the artpiece.

Lynch also plans on having a dedication ceremony for “Miss Nitro” once it is moved. 

“I think the City’s decision to move [Miss Nitro] to our lawn will make the most amount of people happy,” Lynch said. “I think it really is the best choice for the community.” 

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