The Village of Oak Park | 123 Madison St.  Oak Park, IL 60302 | village@oak-park.us

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Artists sought for Mini-Mural Project

March 19, 2024 - Artists are being sought to create murals that will continue the transformation of the railroad retaining walls along the Green Line corridor from dull, blank concrete into canvases as part of the Oak Park Area Arts Council's Mini-Mural program.

Each artist selected receives $750 for materials prior to beginning the project and another $750 upon completion. The murals range in size from about 6-feet-by-8 feet to 6-feet-by-11 feet.

The deadline to apply for the first round is April 26. A second round of submissions will be accepted through June 7.

Artists from throughout the area – not just Oak Park – are invited to participate. The winning concepts will be selected by a panel of judges from the Oak Park Area Arts Council and the local arts community.

Concepts are judged on artistic merit, appropriateness for a public way and originality. Paint is the only medium that may be used and should be of a quality to withstand weather conditions for a reasonable amount of time. All murals must be protected with clear sealant.

Interested artists must submit an application and a rendering of the proposed design, which must be vertical. Applications are available online at www.oakparkareaartscouncil.org and on this website - just click here to download an application.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

The community mini-mural project was launched in 2010 to promote creative expression and provide an enriching visual experience for residents and visitors alike. Dozens of murals already have been painted on the railroad embankments along North and South boulevards.

Artists selected for these latest rounds of murals will continue to fill in the spaces along the viaduct in support in what officials call a long-range goal to intersperse colorful public art where possible along the entire length of the railroad from Harlem Avenue to Austin Boulevard.

Citizens or businesses interested in sponsoring a mini mural are urged to email the Oak Park Area Arts Council at info@oakparkareaartscouncil.org.