New Murals Brighten Downtown West Chicago

If you've recently visited downtown West Chicago, you've likely seen something exciting-a colorful new addition that's adding to the growing energy of the area!

Following the refreshed Fremont Street water tower painted earlier this spring, the City's new mural program adds vibrant pops of color with the installation of seven stunning murals throughout downtown.

Created by local artist Giovanni Arellano (a.k.a. Fiendsco), the artwork was digitally printed and installed within frames designed to allow for future mural replacements to enhance the downtown for years to come.

The initial mural installation was made possible through a grant from the DuPage Foundation's 2023 JCS Fund Public Art Grant, which covered half of the project's cost, and a partnership with AT&T, that allowed the mural installation at 225 Main Street.

Illinois Prairie Path: The Heart of the Series

Each of the new murals, now decorating buildings along Main Street, Washington Street, and Turner Court, celebrates the rich diversity of Illinois' prairies. This theme was carefully chosen as a tribute to the Illinois Prairie Path, which runs through West Chicago, linking communities across DuPage County.

A personal touch is added with the mural at 225 Main Street, reflecting Giovanni's memories of traveling the Prairie Path and admiring the colorful species that call Illinois home, such as native butterflies, flowers, and birds. This mural serves as the perfect starting point for visitors wishing to explore the other artworks located at 200 Main Street, 132 Main Street, and 103 W. Washington Street.

A Strategic Vision for Downtown West Chicago

This mural program is an exciting piece of a larger initiative outlined in the City's award-winning Comprehensive Plan, which calls for connecting with local artists and identifying City-owned properties in the downtown area as locations for showcasing artwork. The program supports several placemaking goals, including creating opportunities for neighborhood art, enhancing the downtown's visual appeal, and promoting walking and biking through engaging public art installations.

Extensive community feedback gathered during the planning process for the Comprehensive Plan highlighted residents' desire to activate the downtown area and attract local tourism. This mural program directly supports those community desires.

Looking Ahead: An Ongoing Art Program

This exhibit marks the beginning of an ever-growing public art program that will allow for fresh new artwork to be installed within the mural frames in future years contributing to the West Chicago's art scene, further enriching the downtown's vibrant, welcoming atmosphere.