BRIDGEPORT — You may have noticed the fresh coat of white paint on the walls of the 35th Street viaduct and a message in black writing that reads, “MURAL COMING.”
Ald. Patrick D. Thompson (11th) is now looking for volunteers to help paint that mural — and several others — at 435 W. 35th St. Saturday.
No experience is needed, but volunteers must be 16 or older. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Sign up for a time slot here.
In May, Ald. Thompson announced plans to paint murals on the viaduct walls along one of the neighborhood’s busiest sidewalks, a main passage to U.S. Cellular Field, a block east of the viaduct at 333 W. 35th St.
The Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, the government agency that runs the ballpark, has put up $20,000 to pay for the murals.
Thompson said the mural — created by Arts Alive Chicago — will brighten up a slice of the neighborhood known for its heavy foot traffic.
"It’s going to be a great project," Thompson said.
Mock ups of the murals show local landmarks like the Union Stockyards Gate and old Comiskey Park. Another shows old ballplayers and what appears to be a caricature of White Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf.
Leaders all over the city have spruced up distressed viaducts with colorful murals to set a welcoming vibe in pockets of neighborhoods once considered eyesores.
For more information, call the ward office at 773-254-6677.
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