SOUTH SHORE — A GoFundMe created to help fund a giant photo portrait of First Lady Michelle Obama by local artist Chris Devins has wildly exceeded its goal.
Devins, a Hyde Park native, said he plans to put a giant photo portrait of Michelle Obama on the outside of Bouchet School, 7355 S. Jeffery Ave., where she attended elementary school. She attended Whitney Young Magnet School for high school.
After the initial $5,000 GoFundMe goal was met, Devins increased it to $9,900. As of Thursday, more than $11,000 was raised.
Devins said that the first lady is a symbol of hope and pride for many young women everywhere.
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The total cost of the project is $15,000, and Devins originally said he will personally match every $1 pledged by the community — and get another $1 raised from local community organizations and politicians. He now says he might not need more institutional support.
The installation would take about four days, said Devins, who would like to see the photo up as early as late March.
Devins said the school community is excited by the project and hopes it goes forward. Neither officials with the school nor with Chicago Public Schools responded to requests for comment about Devins' plans.
Devins is known for his large outdoor murals of A. Philip Randolph, Common, Lorraine Hansberry, Nat King Cole and Louis Armstrong. He recently finished the art at the new Bronzeville Mariano’s, along with several other art initiatives.
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