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12 Chicago Murals That'll Make You Appreciate Street Art

Where diversity, history, and art come alive.

Kayla De Lano

Jul 10, 2017

Hoffman Estates, Illinois

5412

12 Chicago Murals That'll Make You Appreciate Street Art

Wordpress

As beautiful of a piece of art as the Chicago skyline is, the city offers another form of art that is just as beautiful — murals.

This form of street art, requiring no admission fee or art history to appreciate, not only provides cool backgrounds for pictures, but also offers rich insight into the culture and history of Chicago neighborhoods.

Considering that I’m such a suburbanite, I’ve been dying to check out the following 12 Chicago murals.

((Disclaimer: Hoping all of these still exist!))

#1: Casa Aztlan Mural
Location: Pilsen Neighborhood | 1831 S Racine Ave

Photo Source: Wordpress

I actually had the privilege of passing this mural as I covered an event in the Pilsen neighborhood last year, but didn’t know anything about the inspiration behind the mural until a few weeks ago when it unfortunately got painted over. Fortunately, this mural, which showcased famous Mexican figures, such as the artist, Frida Kahlo, will be either recreated or will be created new by the developer who actually painted it over it.#2: “Greetings From Chicago”

#2: Greetings From Chicago
Location: Logan Square | 2226 N Milwaukee Ave

Photo Source: Wikimedia

Sure ...you’ll probably feel pretty touristy after visiting a “Chicago” mural, but this mural encapsulates some of the absolute best Chicago attributes. A chicago-style hot dog(with no ketchup, obviously), the John Hancock building (because obviously the Sears Towers — YES, I said SEARS TOWER — gets enough love), our wonderful Cubbies, and a “Save Ferris” water tower; how you could not stop by and snap a pic next to it?

#3: Childhood Is Without Prejudice
Location: Hyde Park | 56th Street and Stony Island

Restored by the Chicago Public Art Group, this mural promotes much-needed unity for today’s day in age. Nothing like the innocence of children and diversity to bring us all together!

#4: Regal Theater Mural
Location: Regal Theater | 1645 East 79th Street

This colorful depiction of music and black culture will make your heart sing.

#5 Flamingo Mural
Location: The Flamingo Rum Club | 601 N. Wells Street

Photo Source: Sincerely, Jennie

Honestly, this wall just speaks to my inner girly girl with all that pink! I just love the color-scheme all together. #GirlyGirling

#6: You Know What You Should Do
Location: Oak Street Beach | 1000 Lake Shore Drive

Photo Source: Mural Locator

Sweet tooth, anyone? Artist Jeff Zimmerman and Great Lakes Restoration Initiative sure have good taste in art and dessert!

#7: Untitled (West Loop Mural)
Location: West Lake Street & North Racine Avenue

Photo Source: Parking in Chicago

Greatly appreciating all of the pop-art stylistic approaches here!

#8: Chicago Truborn Mural
Location: Chicago Truborn | 1741 W Chicago Ave

Photo Source: Chicago Truborn

Animal lovers, this one’s for you! Unfortunately, this one’s probably too high up to take a picture with, but you can at least admire all of these furry friends and the fun color scheme!

#9: Whoot
Location: 3360 West Belmont Avenue

Photo Source: Tony Passero

Here’s another animal-friendly piece to check out. This mural, dedicated to the Avondale neighborhood, is quite the hoot, isn’t it? (Sorry, not sorry for the lame word play.)

#10 Untitled
Location: Wicker Park | Hollywood Cleaners

Photo Source: Flickr

This Hebru Brantley creation is a one of a kind. Geek loud and geek proud, comic book fans!

#11: Sea of Flags
Location: W Division St & N Campbell Ave

Inspired by a Fiesta Boricua photograph, this moral provides a beautiful representation of Puerto Rican pride and celebration.

Photo Source: Mural Locator

#12 White Sox Mural

Photo Source: Illinois Institute of Technology

Since I gave a shout out to the Cubs earlier for the “Greetings From Chicago” mural, it’s only right to stop by this mural if I ever make it to a Sox game.

You’ve got to love the creativity and all-around rawness of a Chicago mural. Though murals come and go, the beautiful stories and ideas they represent will never fade.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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12 Chicago Murals That'll Make You Appreciate Street Art

Where diversity, history, and art come alive.

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No, I can't help you.

1. When a customer wants to return a product, hands you the receipt, where is printed "ALL SALES ARE FINAL" in all caps.

2. Just because you might be having a bad day, and you're in a crappy mood, doesn't make it okay for you to yell at me or be rude to me. I'm a person with feelings, just like you.

3. People refusing to be put on hold when a customer is standing right in front of you. Oh, how I wish I could just hang up on you!

4. Having the same conversations over and over again! To be honest I really don't even want to talk to you right now, or have this fake ass smile on my face!

5. Always having to have a smile on your face. I promise I'm not as happy as I may look!

6. Customers not understanding that sometimes, mistakes happen. I am a human being, we all mess up sometimes!

7. Having the boss from hell, it's their way or the highway! Even though I did my job correctly and efficiently, if I don't do it the exact way you do, I'm a piece of shit.

8. Having coworker who don't help out, who bend the rules just enough to screw you over.

9. Having to be at work after closing because a customer is taking forever and half! Not like I'd like to go home or anything!

10. Having shitty hours and more shifts than you asked for. Just because we don't have enough workers, doesn't mean I want to pick up every shift that you cant cover, oh great boss of mine!

11. Not having time for a social life. It gets old saying, "I can't I have work..." Every day of the week!

12. Having that lazy costumer who can't do anything for themselves... no please I'll get that, it's no problem at all!

It's just my face, I swear.

1. When you meet new people, they automatically assume you hate them or are rude.

2. People are constantly asking you if you're OK.

3. After being friends with someone for a while, they confess to you, "I thought you were so mean when I first met you," or, "I thought you hated me."

4. You get told to smile more, but they don't understand how scary that would be.

5. You're always labeled as seeming "judgy."

6. Passing a friend with your RBF in full force and not realizing you just shot them a death glare.

7. Being sarcastic, but everyone thinks you're outright rude.

8. Not knowing how mean you really look until you see a picture of yourself in resting face.

9. Your apologies never sound sincere because of your emotionless face.

10. Your "mad face" scares you.

11. And, lastly, people are constantly asking you if you are happy or having a good time because you look bored to death.

Please hold your blonde joke.

1. "Is Elle Woods your spirit animal?"

2. "Is that your natural hair color?"

3. "Oh wow, you get good grades at school?"

4. "You must really like the color pink!"

5. "You’re probably not into sports, right?"

6. "You must have such a bubbly personality."

7. "Your wardrobe must consist of all things preppy."

8. "What sorority are you in?"

9. "You were probably a cheerleader in high school."

10. "You look like you’re from L.A. because your hair is so light."

11. "You definitely like Pumpkin Spiced Lattes from Starbucks!"

12. "Do you actually think blondes have more fun?"

13. "You must encompass the typical “white girl” stereotype."

14. "Is that daddy’s credit card you’re using?"

15. "So all of your friends are blonde too?"

16. "I’m surprised about you; I thought you would be a lot ditsier."

The world's greatest university meets the world's greatest show.

1. When you get your acceptance letter

2. When you try to figure out how class enrollment works

3. When it’s move in day

4. When you arrive on campus and see all of the attractive people

5. FROG Week

6. When you find your squad

7. When you visit DHall (RIP) or EHall for the first time

8. When you take on way too many credits

9. When you go to your first party at JMU

10. When the rival school shows up for the homecoming game (or any game really)

11. Sunday Brunch

12. When you see the infamous “preacher” for the first time

13. The first snow day

14. Madipalooza

15. When finals week rolls around

16. When you have to say goodbye

17. And when you finally get to go back

Do you have a small get-together or throw a big bash?

1. Your family and friends ask what you want for your birthday, so you give them a list of options.

2. You're super excited about your birthday the week before.

3. Your family flies in town to celebrate with you.

4. Your siblings wake you up.

5. Your friends are so excited to be with you on your big day.

6. If you work, your office might throw a party for you.

7. For your actual party, you plan a small get-together with close family and friends ...

8. ... or large celebration with everyone you know.

9. You eat the best meal you've had in weeks.

10. You devour the first piece of cake proudly.

11. You embarrass yourself somehow.

12. You get the present you really wanted but thought no one would get you.

13. You are a little sad about getting older.

14. That feeling wears off and you realize how happy you are to have family and friends to celebrate this day with you.

15. The morning after your birthday looks something like this.

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