Two new high-profile public art projects have been commissioned for the Edgewater area in hopes of continuing the creative momentum the area has built. A call to artists has been announced to find the perfect artwork.

Several public art pieces have been popping up throughout the community over the last year and the two new art pieces we no doubt add to the area’s vibrancy. The first artwork will be displayed on the side of a Devon Ave. building and is being overseen by the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce. The second piece is being commissioned by a private developer and will adorn the side of a new building on Granville Ave. that will house the Chicago Mosaic School.

“We wanted to highlight the artistic community that was already here in Edgewater and also support the commercial district,” said Edgewater Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Katrina Balog. “This is a part of a multi-year program for us. Our goal is to do a new mural every year so there is public art in each of Edgewater’s business districts.”

The commissions look for property owners who are willing to host the artwork and a space that makes ‘sense.’ The space’s visibility and accessibility are very important according to Balog. Devon Ave. was chosen for the newest public art piece because of the street’s revitalization and also to emphasize a string of new and upcoming businesses there.

The first artwork will be a mural painted on the side of the building at 1346 W Devon. The piece, which will be approximately 55 ft. long by 30 ft. tall, is part of the public art program funded by Special Service Area #26. The budget for the mural is $13,500 which includes both design and materials. Artist submissions are due by March 30 and the artist will be selected on April 16. It is hoped the mural will be completed by September of this year.

Artists must be based out of the Chicagoland area and large-scale installation experience preferred. Contact Balog at katrina@edgewater.org with an artist CV

and link to past works.

For more info on the Devon commission, click here.

The second piece is being commissioned by B+R Developers for the new building at 1127 W. Granville. The selected Artist will create three compatible images, to be installed on 20 ft. long by 20 ft. tall vinyl banners mounted on the east-facing wall of will become the Chicago Mosaic School’s new home.

The three images will be installed side by side and will be visible from the CTA Red Line station platform at Granville as well as the sidewalk. Once installed, the artwork is expected to be on display for five or more years.

Artists for the Granville work also must be based out of the Chicagoland area and large-scale installation experience is preferred. Contact jerry@48thward.org with an artist CV, link to past works and a short statement explaining or sketch showing your vision for the three panels. Artist submissions are due by February 14 and the artist will be selected on March 23. The winning Artist will be given $4,000 in stipends to complete the work.

For more info on the Granville commission, click here.