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Read the press release here.

Sauganash Mural Tiles Offer Chance to be Remembered

By Heather Cherone | January 26, 2013 8:26am

SAUGANASH — A new mural planned for the barren walls of a bicycle trail underpass promises residents something that just might be priceless — immortality.

In order to fund the mixed-media mosaic that will honor the past, present and future of the Northwest Side community, organizers are selling ceramic tiles that residents can emblazon with a favorite photograph.

“It can be whatever they want,” said Sauganash Mural Project President Paula Fitzgerald. “Their dog, their cat, their house or their family. People will be able to walk along the wall and see it forever.”

The mural organizers will approve all of the images, which will appear in black and white, Fitzgerald said.

In addition to the glass and ceramic tiles, the mural will feature painted images as well as clay figures using a French art technique known as bricolage. The three-dimensional artworks will cover the north and south walls of the underpass at Peterson and Kostner avenues.

The mural is being designed by the Chicago Public Art Group and will be similar to the bricolage mural the group completed in Edgewater on both sides of the Foster Avenue underpass at Lake Shore Drive. It is expected to cost about $70,000.

Organizers are hoping to complete the mural this summer, and are hoping to sell all of the tiles by Feb. 1. The photos for the tiles don’t have to be chosen for several more months, Fitzgerald said.

Three different sizes of square tiles are available. The 8-by-8-inch tile costs $500, the 4-by-4-inch tile costs $250, and the 2-by-2-inch tile costs $125.

For $1,000, supporters can reserve an 8-by-8-inch tile and have their name included on the mural’s honor roll.

Companies can also put their logo on the tile, and mural organizers tout the 35,000 cars that will pass the mural everyday — and the good will from Sauganash’s 10,000 residents — as reasons to support the mural.

Residents who reserve their tile by Feb. 1 will be entered to win an additional 2-by-2-inch tile.

For more information, call 773-777-0990.