A. Vasquez, Naye, Gio

“We are passionate about envisioning, transforming, and building safe spaces and futures that are accessible to all people. We believe in the people’s right to live in a Sanctuary- a place where the air is breathable, water is free, housing is affordable, education is equal, and diversity is welcome. The world is burning; it always has been. More than ever, it is important to have empathy, to remain united, and to keep questioning the institutions that corrupt our Sanctuary. We are fighting for a revolution that is intersectional and will not settle for anything less. With this message, we hope to inspire youth everywhere to join us. We raise the question, what does Sanctuary mean to you? How can you create a Sanctuary for those around you?”

Ant Ben

'They want to destroy you before you become what your intended to be' 

“The child depicted in this mural means a lot to me because she very much resembles my 8 year old daughter who's becomes a muse for much of my figurative work. The statement that highlights her expression doesn't require much explaining. This is how you stand against the rising of the tide.”

Ben Giska & Rocio UrbanA

“for deeper understanding 

we must acknowledge

how and by whom

this country was built”

Bird Milk

“United not Divided! More than ever right now we need to stick together and fight for what's right. There is so much much hate and injustice going on, and the only way to combat it is if we all work together and make our voices heard.”

Blake Jones

“After talking to the store owner not only did we agree the image should fit with the business its on but we agreed on a message of unity and spreading love. Lola and the Boys is a cute, brightly colored business which perfectly fits my artistic aesthetic already so our imagery, colors, and message were very easy to figure out. All we wanted to put out into the world was a positive message for the passing audience.”

Brandon Dorsey

“I firmly believe that there is always a breath of light; a hope, deeply hidden through the grittiness and chaos of this situation, though, glimmers peak through. For me, the feeling of community and togetherness has never felt more real as a country when it comes to this movement, and we feel it in our neighborhoods and experiences we've had the past week. That togetherness; it's quintessential to continuing this journey and reform. STAND TOGETHER. STAND TALL. STAND UNITED.”

Brenda Lopez

“I’m a mom and have been wondering how my children take in all the images they see. I wanted to paint something lighthearted that would make them curious and that a parent could explain, ‘Look at all the different colors that make up these flowers yet they are all still flowers, happy together. That’s Unity.’”

Cecilio Garcia

“My piece represents diversity as a united entity. This portrait represents that we have had enough separation between us, and it is time that we all experience equity and justice.”

CHRIS ORTA

“I wanted to send a direct message for people to know that no matter what we always have the power to change things. All power to the people all the time.”

Christian Roldan

“This abstract figurative image is composed of west African masks and indigenous petroglyphs arranged to form a hibiscus funerary floral arrangement, to remember the millions of victims of a colonial enterprise. The artwork serves as a memorial to honor the lives of the natives and African diaspora who suffered under a colonial and racist legacy and were forgotten in anonymity. The floral arrangement frames a Frantz Fanon quote, posed to the public, to reflect on what is each individual position in this historical moment.”

Cristina Vanko

“If we don't start doing the right thing now, when will the right things be done? Recognizing our past brings us to a smarter present and brighter future. It's never too late to make things right, so let's go!”

Damon Lamar Reed

“For as long as we can look back in history, there have been issues with racial inequality.  'If you don't break the CHAIN...who will?' displays how racism has kept people of color bound.  The chain is not only a physical restraint, by also a cycle that needs to be broken.”

Damon Lamar Reed

“‘We Are the Westside’ shows diversity, while highlighting the unity of the Westside. As a sign of the times, people are wearing face masks that display landmarks from various Westside neighborhoods. Patrick Kane stands with the community, adorning a Blackhawks mask. Unified! Strong! Unique! Diverse! Yes, We Are The Westside!”

Ennis Martin

“In the (Blissful Navigation III), the cherub represents black excellence, creativity and love. The bombs represent the many levels of adversity the cherub must navigate through. The cherub maintains a smile and is in a state of meditation with boxing gloves as a reminder the struggle is still far from over.

In a time of psychological warfare, the greatest weapon is creativity.”

Epifanio Monarrez

“This piece illustrates two different species of birds on branches with the words “Chicago UNITY” in the background. The birds are seen perching on the same tree with flowers surrounding them. The art piece represents an idealistic view of unity—being able to peacefully share the same space with those who we think are different from us due to social constructs—in order to enjoy the beauty this world has to offer.”

Epifanio Studios & mission.dtek

Artist statement coming soon!

Joey D, Blake Jones & Chris Orta

“I’m just hoping that these murals can be a positive distraction for Chicago. I want these words to resonate with people and really try to force change and unity in a more drastic way. But at the end of the day it comes down to love and empathy. That’s the only way we are going to properly rebuild.”

Mario Mena

“This piece I created was a way to bring positivity and understanding to people in our city on what’s going on with the black community in Chicago. With the protests happening all over the nation and city and the injustices we have witnessed for generations I felt like I couldn’t sit still anymore. I also wanted to let our black community know that they are loved. We care and think about them and that we cherish them as our neighbors and friends. Overall I wanted to bring love and positivity to everyone in our city to come together for the greater good.”

Matt Mederer

“I wanted to do something beautiful in remembrance of George Floyd. The idea is to remember him as a beautiful person. His last moments were so ugly and infuriating. On top of that people have tried to dig into his past and smear his name. But he deserves to be remembered in a better light.”

Natalia Sustaita

“Justice for them all. This piece is intended to bring attention to and honor, all the victims of police brutality and racial profiling.”

Norma Jean

“My paintings mean that we are embracing the movement to inspire people and know that this moment Is apart of a revolution around the world. Painting a powerful hand, the word unity, and a group of protesters were some visuals I wanted people to be reminded of. Black Lives Matter movement deserves the world’s attention. I am grateful that artists get to share a visual of what that means to them through their talents. We’ve been able to unite for a cause bigger than ourselves and that is the best part of this opportunity. Thank you for supporting us and this movement!”

Rahmaan Statik

“The words peace and love were painted as a suggestion by the property owner. We need more peace and love in the world at this moment . It was painted as a feel-good work of art.”

Reddor santiago

“What my piece means to me and the world is that we all need to come together and help our black brothers and sisters by showing support to the best of our capabilities and to educate those who do not know any better about racial injustice and systematic racism. One of the ways I can show that support is to spread messages of love, peace, unity, and Black Lives Matter through my art. We are all linked together as humans. All lives can’t matter til Black Lives Matter.”

Rocio Urbano

“Strength and Strategy”