mural by five Chicago artists

Murals

2022 murals include “…AND THE BEES” and “STAY TUNED” both designed and painted by Cyd Smillie, “TORRANCE PLACE” designed by Wes Daniels and painted by Cyd and Wes, “MUSIC YOU CAN SEE” a huge mural collaboration organized by Cyd Smillie with Shawnimals, Pennypinch, Carly Derec, Kathryn Eli and Cyd Smillie artists.

Finishing out the 2021 year, Arts Alive Chicago hired 3 interns (for Covid protocol) from NEIU to help with an after school visual arts program @Hibbard Elementary in Albany Park. 5th and 6th graders experience collagraph, block printing and of course mural painting.

UPDATE to the Irving Park Gateway Mural

After close to 10 years the old mural had seen a lot of damage, so designer Jill Arena stepped up with a fresh new design inspired by the Audubon Society’s call for bird murals to raise awareness. Cyd Smillie was lead artist with community volunteers and artistry by Jerry Rogowski.

“Loteria ” mural for Cafe Fenix

Arts Alive Chicago’s summer mural was designed by Jill Arena for Cafe Fenix (the retail branch of Centro San Bonifacio) in Avondale. This mural features images from the popular card game, “Loteria” and was part of a Covid-19 socially distanced community project. Cyd Smillie was lead artist.

Gale Street Inn Gets Color

2020 Starts with MLK Day Project

This year’s MLK Day project was created by the participants at I Grow Chicago’s Peace House for the walls of One Hope United a private social service agency. 50 Participants painted large and small images based on MLK quotes about love and justice.

2019 Murals include 2 mural projects at Hibbard Elementary in Albany Park, 18 murals and a job training program in down town Chicago and a wall of honor on I Grow Chicago’s Peace Campus in Englewood.

In 2011 Arts Alive Chicago (then Arts Alive/45) started by painting storefronts and murals to honor those in our community who define us and make us great.  We continue to use our paint brushes to attract new artists, designers, businesses and smiles. For more information about individual murals contact us through the contact form here
2018 MURALS:
2017  MURALS:
2016 Murals:
2015 Murals:
2014 Murals:

Arts Alive Chicago also mentored North Mayfair in the commissioning, selecting and executing their first mural: NEIGHBORHOOD ELEVATION- designer Anthony LLewellen/lead artist Anthony Llewellen- North Mayfair funded (October 2014)

Anthony LLewelen- Neighborhood Elevation
2011-2013 Murals: