CHICAGO HEIGHTS | An exhibition at Union Street Gallery that focuses on history will become history Aug. 10. As a farewell, the public is invited to a closing reception that will include a guest speaker and a silent auction.

The reception for "Crossroads: Altered History | Personal History, Public History, Regional History" will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 10.

For the exhibit, regional artists rendered a rich fabric of histories, spanning their own, the Chicago Southland and beyond. Work includes paintings, drawings, sculpture and collage. The art ranges from a 2002 presidential election yard sign embedded in acrylic paint to a broken record that remembers the first music store in Chicago Heights to a sculpted heart that holds many secrets.

Barbara Paul, of the Chicago Heights Historical League, will talk about the history of Chicago Heights. Light refreshments will be served.

"Altered Books" by regional artists will also be offered this evening in a silent auction. Proceeds will benefit Union Street Gallery and the revitalization of the historic downtown Chicago Heights neighborhood.

Crossroads can be viewed through Aug. 10 during the gallery's regular hours. Union Street Gallery is a not-for-profit art organization. Admission is always free and open to the public.

- THE TIMES

For information, call (708) 754-2601.