What is the orange banner with the WPB logo all about?

Orange banners have started popping up on the sides of buildings in the area. With only a WPB (SSA #33) logo on it, people are wondering why. The answer : The Orange Mural Project which was launched by the WPB Arts Committee and being administered by the WPB Chamber of Commerce office .

In support of artists and interested in encouraging art versus tagger scribbles, the WPB began a multi step project. In July, a call went out to arts about the mural project. Submission flooded in from around the world. In late August, three Chicago arts professionals juried the entries. The judges were Scott Speh, Owner/Director of Western Exhibitions; Lynne Warren, Curator at Chicago's Museum of Contemporary Art; and Jeff Zimmerman, internationally recognized muralist.

They selected six artists who were all from Chicago except for one. Chicagoans are: Laura Berger, Brendan Hudson, Industry of the Ordinary, Chad Kouriand and  Bernard Williams. The sixth is New Yorker, Rob Swainston. Each will receive a $5,000 honorarium.

Several building owners have stepped up to support the arts and host a mural. The orange banners are the indicators of where some of pieces will be installed. While each artist works on their own schedule, all murals are expected to be completed by October 21, 2011. So keep checking those spaces and the works begin.

The WPB Arts Committee is already looking for the next round of mural locations. If you would like to host a mural, or have any inquiries about the Orange Wall Mural Project, please contact the WPB (SSA #33) and WPB Chamber of Commerce office at 773.384.2672.