That's all, folks!

Alright folks, that about wraps things up. As my time in Chicago ends, so does this project. Three neighborhoods, two interviews with amazing Chicago muralists, and one blog to document it all. I learned so much throughout this process, and I hope you did too.

I love that this project allowed me to learn by actually going out and being in the city. I could read about Chicago murals from books and online articles from just about anywhere, but I figured this was my chance to actually see some with my own eyes, and learn that way. I think learning in this hands-on, experiential way provided me with a more in-depth understanding and passion in the topic than reading about it in a book ever could have.

While the neighborhood expeditions were exciting I think one of my highlights was talking with the two Chicago muralists, Sam Kirk and Hector Duarte. Their perspectives were so interesting and I thought it was such an incredible experience to go out and see a mural and then talk to the person who made it.

I am constantly seeing new murals popping up throughout the city, which reminds me that while my project has come to an end with the end of the semester, that the story of Chicago murals is still ongoing. As long as people continue to live their lives, there will be a need for community expression through murals. I hope the next time you see a mural you stop and wonder "what's the story here?" There could be a lot to learn.

Thanks for reading this blog, and happy mural hunting!