23rd Ward Alderman Silvana Tabares and 8th Police District Bryan Spreyn join members of slain CPD Officer Andres Vasquez Lasso to dedicate a new mural at 67th and Central Park. (Photos courtesy of 23rd Ward Office)
New mural brightens 67th Street viaduct
The mural depicts colorful birds, flowers, butterflies, a very large caterpillar and a white rabbit.
The viaduct at 67th Street and Central Park Avenue now has beautiful new murals. The murals cover all four corners of the intersection with dazzling displays of nature themes. There are colorful birds, flowers, butterflies, a very large caterpillar and a white rabbit reminiscent of “Alice in Wonderland.” The works of art, which were made with special outdoor paint, mosaics and mirrored pieces, compliment the natural grasses growing above the viaduct. The former dull space is now a joyful place.
The murals were created by the Green Star Movement, a Chicago-based organization. Their slogan is “changing the urban canvas.” Green Star has created murals all over the city for almost 20 years. They have partnered with the Chicago Artopia organization to involve teenagers in the creation of the murals. I have mentioned Chicago Artopia in previous columns for their concert series at the West Lawn Branch Library.
The mural depicts colorful birds, flowers, butterflies, a very large caterpillar and a white rabbit.
Officer Trevino and Commander Spreyn of the 8th Police District attended the mural ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday, September 7. Spreyn spoke about the importance of partnerships with police, young people, businesses, residents, and local politicians. 23rd Ward Alderman Silvana Tabares attended the event and spoke of her continuing support of the arts in our neighborhood and told us that there will soon be a new mural at nearby 63rd Street. Tabares’s involvement is much appreciated by 23rd Ward residents. One person said she enjoyed watching the progress of the murals, which took all summer to complete. A nearby neighbor said that she now has something beautiful to see when she looks out her window.
A $50,000 grant from Amazon was presented at the ribbon cutting ceremony to Green Star Movement to fund future murals. The murals not only beautify neighborhoods, the mural creation process provides a valuable learning experience for teenagers.
I talked to Green Star artist Alexis Jannotta who drew the basic outlines for the murals. She taught and guided the student artists along with Green Star’s program director Mr. Jordan, who oversaw the project. Jannotta is a local artist who received her degree from Columbia College. Her mother, who was also in attendance, said that Alexis knew from the time she was a little girl that she wanted to be an artist. She is a great example of the wisdom of following your dreams.
Green Star’s CEO and founder Kamelia Hristeva provided information for those who want to apply for internships and volunteer opportunities. You can call Kamelia at 773-217-8394 or visit their website at greenstarmovement.org
The works of art, which were made with special outdoor paint, mosaics and mirrored pieces, compliment the natural grasses growing above the viaduct.
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