South Chicago, Muralized

The title of this mural is "South Chicago - We All Come Together As One". It is very colorful and has elements that you would definitely notice while driving around the area (the bridges, the religious symbols, the housing styles). The mural was created by an artist named Gamaliel Ramirez, with assistance from students and residents of the neighborhood. He is also the artist that did the Sea of Flags mural in Humboldt Park that was the subject of a September post. I have to admit I'm thinking of e-mailing the artist as I am curious about one of the symbols in the mural. To the far right (next to the Native American chief) is what looks like a large stalk of asparagus with eyes and blue symbols. It HAS to mean something to area residents and I am curious as to what it really is.

(Click on photo to see an enlarged version.)

Thinking about Spring

Yes, I know Spring is a few long months away but it is nice to think about it - especially after a long stretch of photos that are primarily white, gray and icy blue.

These beautiful murals line a stretch of Commercial Avenue in the South Chicago Neighborhood. According to notes on one of the murals, they were created by students of the South Chicago Art Center. The SCAC blog states that "The hope is that the paintings improve the aesthetics of the neighborhood."

I think they accomplish that goal and also provide a nice pop of color on these monochromatic winter days.