This spring, the Ravenswood Community Council, Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce, Special Service Area 31, and 47th Ward Alderman Matt Martin announced a new collaborative mural project. After commissioning an award-winning mural for Ravenswood and Berteau in 2022, this coalition set its sights on the Ravenswood Metra Station.
In May, the Ravenswood Community Council issued a Request for Qualifications and received submissions from nearly 40 artists. A panel of local artists, residents and business leaders narrowed the field, selecting 3 artists to receive honorariums to develop full proposals. The finalists were Jen Farrell, Mac Blackout, and Molly Z– all Chicago-based artists. Click here to view their proposals.
This month, 47th Ward residents had the chance to review and vote on their proposals. Neighbors cast over 1,000 votes and the finally tally was close. We’re excited to announce Mac Blackout’s proposal, Ravenswood Walls of Togetherness, as the winner! Mac’s proposal received 47% of the first place votes, with Starshaped Press’ Jen Farrell coming second with 40%.
Work on the mural is expected to begin in mid-August and will include opportunities for high school students to participate. Students interested in careers in art will receive a crash course in being a muralist, including hands-on experience helping paint. “I’m incredibly excited for this chance to transform the intersection of Lawrence and Ravenswood,” said Mac Blackout. “I love that this project gives me a way to intereact with the community and support young people interested in careers as professional artsits.”
Mac Blackout is aiming finish in time for a ribbon cutting and artist talk in October 2024.
