REFLECTIONS: An Edgewater Art Experience is an opportunity to be part of a famous Chicago neighborhood. Our Fall weather is perfect for a leisurely stroll with friend Betsy and her very large Giant Schnauzer, Chase, along North Broadway between Hollywood and Rosemont, moving among new and permanent art locations. Best to go around the lunch hour so you can visit one of the many Edgewater restaurants offering safe COVID19 dining inside or outside – then stop at Lickity-Split Frozen Custard for dessert. They offer a simple “Kid’s Cup” to “Concretes” made with your choice of their vast array of sweeties. It takes about an hour and a half to visit most of the locations. Add your dining time to that. There is lots of parking available on Broadway and the side streets.
REFLECTIONS Presents New Works by Local Artists REFLECTIONS’ promotional material places emphasis on the 20 new art installations painted on glass or behind windows. Most are edgy (after all, it’s Edgewater), “showcasing powerful messages of unity, social justice, and hope…” They are window-size, not large murals, so the messages are succinct. But messages are there: Briana Taylor, Support Black History Education, Black Lives Matter—all tropes of social justice 2020. Photograph the QR codes found near each art installation and link to information about the art, artist, and participation location.
The Heart of REFLECTIONS Is the We All Live Here Mural For this previewer, the large permanent murals and street art found along Broadway were the key attractions. On the side of Moody’s Pub (5910 N Broadway), hundreds of Edgewater natives are gathered into the mural We All Live Here! Edgewater Chamber of Commerce was awarded a grant from LISC Chicago and Groupon to create a public art piece in partnership with Rich Alapack, founder of we all live here. Edgewater citizens were encouraged to send selfies to the artist who crafted them into this engaging wall art.
Permanent Street Art Thrives in Edgewater Directly across the parking lot, a giant jellyfish squirts across the wall of Patio Beef. It’s a joint project of Patio Beef and the Shedd Aquarium. Across Broadway, Whole Foods is graced with permanent murals completed by 30 9–12-grade students in the After School Matters, 48th Ward program. The mural incorporates fresh produce, insects, and plants into a honeycomb pattern. Around the corner, as befits the Chicago Mosaic School, it’s front walls are bejeweled with mosaic flowers, especially coneflowers, a fall favorite. Look at bit east and feast your eyes on four paintings from the Everything Will Be OK Project. Local businesses, theatres, and building owners collaborated with artists on the messages they wished to share with the community.
If You Have Time, Wander the Edgewater Residential Neighborhood
On both sides of Broadway is the tight-knit neighborhood of single-family homes and apartment buildings (now mostly condos) that are the backbone of Edgewater. Homes, mostly large with four levels including basement and attic, date back to the turn of the 20th century and are now lovingly updated while keeping their charm. Look for Little Free Libraries, fairy gardens next to the sidewalk for children to play in, and traditional Halloween decorations.
When: Now through October 31 for the storefront window art. The other art is permanent. Where: Edgewater Neighborhood – North Broadway between Hollywood and Rosemont Tickets: Free For more information, please visit: Edgewater.org