In Chicago, to spread a message of hope and unity, the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce presents Reflections: An Edgewater Art Experience throughout the neighborhood from September 28 – October 31.
The project features local street artists, professional muralists, mosaic world masters, fine artists and others on storefronts, theatres, businesses and walls. The Chamber has partnered with art initiatives supported by the Lytle House, Urban Art Restart, Paint the City, the Chicago Mosaic School, and the 48th Ward.
More than 20 new outdoor art installations can be seen on Broadway, Bryn Mawr, Clark, Granville and Thorndale; a detailed map for self-guided tours is available by visiting edgewater.org.
Photograph the QR codes found near each art installation to link to information about the art, artist, and participation location. There are no admission fees; online donation options are available. “Without the ability to produce events for the neighborhood as in past years, we wanted to create a program that brought people outdoors to explore Edgewater in a new way,” says Christina Pfitzinger, Executive Director of the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce.
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“The power of art is that it brings together the unique voices of the community as evident in these pieces which range from solemn to celebratory. We hope that participants will discover places they may have overlooked and take a moment to reflect.” This program brings attention to small businesses, theatres, available properties and the Edgewater neighborhood at a time when the ability to travel around the city is limited.
Reflections: An Edgewater Art Experience allows residents the opportunity to explore the art already present in the neighborhood, seek out new places and spaces, and connect the events to communities as reflected through art.
Edgewater has an active arts community and legacy of public art; Reflections adds to the existing Edgewater art cityscape. “The city will never be the same. There is now an experience we all share from this point moving forward. An experience that is rooted in pain but is sprouting with hope and unity,” said Barrett Keithley, artist and Paint the City organizer. “We hope the art gives hope and an opportunity to peacefully open a dialogue on issues we face today.” “With our stages currently dark we’re thrilled to partner with Edgewater Chamber of Commerce who have illuminated our windows with public art,” said Markie Gray, Managing Director of Raven Theatre, which features two spray-paint-on-plywood pieces from Cristina Vanko and Dwight White, respectively. “2020 has been a year like none other and the work on display provides a snapshot of our current moment. A moment where black lives matter, our nation is divided, and artistic expression prevails. In this time of dark we hope these works of art bring awareness to a movement while brightening the streets of Edgewater.”
