Proposal #1: Alex Perkins – Eye Spy: Ravenswood

“My design is meant to incorporate symbols specific to the Ravenswood neighborhood, and to create a sort of fun ‘eye spy’ for passerby interested in learning more about the neighborhood’s history. For example, the glockenspiel represents the J.C. Deagan Musical Instrument Company that once made its home on Berteau. There are also symbols calling out local businesses (Margie’s Candies, Urban Pooch, Spiteful Brewing, Chicago Glass Collective, and Lillstreet Art Center) as well as establishments like Ravenswood Elementary (where I frequently teach as a Guest Teacher for CPS) and the All Saints Episcopal Church. There’s even hints at some of the art that exists around the neighborhood – like the cicada sculptures from ‘24. My aim is to unite all the things wonderful about this neighborhood and represent it in a visually fun and engaging way!” – Alex Perkins

Click here to view Alex Perkins’ complete proposal.

Proposal #2: Jennifer Farrell – Under the Tree

“The Ravenswood neighborhood is a shared creative space for artisans, trades, small business and residents. My letterpress print shop, Starshaped Press, has been a part of this community for 25 years, focused on preserving the tools of the past for projects that reflect our ideas of ourselves now. My submission, Under the Tree, reflects the resiliency of our greenery, from bug blights to the explosion of personal and community gardens, as well as the restaurants and cafes that put so much care into the food that sustains us. This greenery is nestled in and around all of the structures of the built environment that represents different styles existing in Ravenswood. The color palette is designed to be harmonious with the existing People Space, using earthy grays and greens with a bold pop of yellow.

All elements of the piece are individual ornaments (think dingbats!) pulled from my extensive collection of letterpress printing type; they pay homage to the typographic printers that came before me. The angularity of the design is meant to match the existing People Space and to draw the viewer in, especially children, to imagine what happens in the structures on the mural. To bring the design to life, I’ll be partnering with another local community resident, Katherine Ross, who boasts decades of experience painting murals and creating public art. She is intimately familiar with my design and letterpress process and understands the best ways to make it sing on a much larger, painted scale. Together, we can successfully create a piece designed to tie the People Space to the community in a way that also seals and protects the art against the elements.” – Jen Farrell

Click here to view Jennifer Farrell’s complete proposal.

Proposal #3: Rahul Noronha – you are beautiful-ish

“I propose a take on the ‘you are beautiful’ murals that celebrates those of us who are rough around the edges. I lived in a 100 year old printing factory in the Ravenswood corridor for 2 years. It was ugly as hell on the outside, but as soon as you entered our loft, you were in a space of art and colour, vintage finds, hand-refurbished furniture, and plenty of live plants basking in natural sunlight. Ravenswood is a community defined by exactly that. Painters, leatherworkers, yogis, potters, punks, woodworkers, hippies- characters who are dusty and wild on the outside, who keep the neighbourhood culture rich, vibrant, and exciting, and who create their own beauty.

The mural will feature the text “you are beautiful-ish” superimposed over a cast of weird and wonderful creatures. The creatures themselves can be toned up or down in weirdness depending on the tastes of the space’s owner(s). For a better idea of the kind of characters I draw, you can find me on Instagram @mooseylips or click through the “comics” and “acrylics” pages on my website. I like the monochrome colour scheme, but the mural can really be whatever colour the owner(s) of the space want. If you want each character to be a different colour that’s totally fine too. If you like the design and I’m lucky enough to make it to the next round, I can send you versions of the mural in whatever colour schemes your heart desires and I can even design additional characters in case you have a dog whose bottom tooth sticks out or a brother with a big nose and dreadlocks and you want characters in there who reminds you of them.” – Rahul Noronha

Click here to view Rahul Noronha’s complete proposal.

Proposal #4: Shawn Smith – Upward Together

“In general, while my imagery is predominantly character-based and pop cultural in nature, the deeper hope is that the colorful, fun visuals I create are easily accessible by a wide variety of people. Whether age, gender, cultural background, or some other facet of being a person, the initial reaction is hopefully a smile, and then an opportunity to explore the piece, the colors, the expressions, the iconography, and appreciate it more deeply. My proposed mural Upward Together is meant to show the diversity in the Ravenswood community and beyond, while coming together toward a common goal. It truly takes a village to uplift and build a true community. My shaped characters are meant to analogs for us, made up of all sorts of shapes, sizes, and colors.

My shape-character murals are often mirrors of sorts with characters that people view and identify with. More than once I’ve heard people say, “I’m totally that red triangle!” Or, “I feel like that circle today…” The phrase “Upward” and “Together” uttered by multiple characters and then followed by a heart to symbolize both acknowledgement and love intends to show this coming together. Further, the character pointing up, the stairs and ladders (and the doorway) are showing positivity. The clouds represent both finding a way through a fog or a sense of clarity, while the strings on the fingers are a reference to memory and how it shapes us (but perhaps shouldn’t hold us back). The environment also references the lush surroundings in Ravenswood, not to mention the river and lake nearby. Finally, the central character has a doorway itself that shows a light inside, hoping to conjure up ideas about what could be if we work together to uplift each other.” – Shawn Smith

Click here to view Shawn Smith’s complete proposal.

Proposal #5: Waleed Johnson – Ravenswood Dreams

“My piece is an emotive yet calming portrait meant to invite viewers into a place of relaxation and reflection. A woman with her eyes closed, appearing to be lost in thought or perhaps dreaming, is framed by a lush canopy of trees—an homage to Ravenswood’s scenic, tree-lined streets and the greenery that will be in this People Space. Her peaceful expression and the soft, dreamy tones of purple that highlight both her face and the background create a calming, meditative atmosphere. The composition encourages visitors to slow down and connect not only with the art, but with themselves and their surroundings. As the woman appears to drift inward, the viewer is prompted to do the same, making the mural both a visual centerpiece and a tool for reflection.

It’s my hope that this image fosters a sense of tranquility that complements the purpose of the space—a welcoming place for rest, community, and connection. The stylized color palette and expressiveness of the piece celebrate the creative spirit of Ravenswood’s arts community. To ground the piece, I’ve incorporated a subtle tribute to the neighborhood’s identity. The woman’s earring is the iconic clock tower of the historic Deagan Building, as seen in the logo of the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce. This small detail gently brings the dreamlike portrait from the abstract to the here and now by tying it to a real and beloved landmark of the community.” – Waleed Johnson

Click here to view Waleed Johnson’s complete proposal.