In 2017 Alderman Raymond Lopez chose to use the DCASE (Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events) YOPA (Year of Public Art) program to engage the students at Henderson Elementary in a Peace Project which would culminate in a mural.  Arts Alive Chicago was tapped to make that happen.

For nearly four months president Cyd Smillie brought special projects to the art classes of Henderson’s Mr. Pulliam. Each class started with yoga taught by Jay from I grow Chicago’s Peace House and the projects were distilled into a mural designed by Ms. Smillie. That mural was painted by the Henderson students and completed June 15th. Here are just a few of the faces.