Abstract Botanical City

As my partner Bob Buchholz was spray painting over some gang tags on the outer front wall of our apartment building, our landlord Tom Nizinski was walking by with his dog. Tom asked Bob, "Would Diane like to do a mural?" When Bob relayed the invitation to paint the building I was electrified with enthusiasm! Seemed like a win/win opportunity to me and the building owners! Our landlords covered the cost of paint. I gave them a few watercolor painting designs from which to choose preferences, and Bob helped me with chalk lining, grid drawing, priming, measuring and helping out with the ladder. I painted in all the details. It was a great relief to have such a monumental creative endeavor happening on such a great scale in our own neighborhood, on our own dwelling place during the pandemic! And where there is art...there are no gang tags. That's the long known "law" among the gangs. "More Art Less Tags" we say! There is also a shrine in the doorway by my partner, Robert Buchholz. His artwork is primarily found object assemblages.

Where to find it

1856 S Throop St. Location data: Chicago Open Data. Get directions