Art From the Heart

Get Inspired: Why This Chicago Artist Turned Abandoned Homes Into Art

Art comes from the heart. Artistic expression is a way for us to tell stories, to make our voices heard, and to connect with others. Today, we want you and your family to think about the power of art. Watch this video about artist Amanda Williams and how she transformed abandoned homes in her South Side neighborhood into symbols of community identity.

Color(ed) Theory is a multi-year project focused on telling a story through color. Amanda Williams' work questions what colors mean and what we associate certain colors with. By choosing colors that resonate with her cultural identity, Amanda raises awareness and challenges people to think about what community means to them.

Let’s Talk

After watching Amanda William’s TED Talk, use the questions below to kick-start a great conversation with your family today:

• How did Amanda channel her life experience into her art? What did you find interesting about her approach to public art?

• Can you think of public art that inspires you? What makes it special?

• What's your favorite way to express yourself creatively? Can you do it now?

• Bonus! On your next walk in your neighborhood, see if you can spot public art. Look carefully - you might find art where you least expect it!

Do Something: Chicago Artist Coloring Book

Get creative with Chicago's finest! In the first weeks of the stay at home order, over 20 Chicago artists came together with our friends at We All Live Here to create a Chicago themed coloring book to celebrate our city and give us all something to do at home.

The Chicago Artists Coloring Book was created because art has the power to bring us together, even when we're apart. Check out some of these awesome designs by local artists, relax, and let the creative juices flow!

When you finish a page, tag #wealllivehere and #honeycombproject and we'll share your artwork with the Hive!

Community Connections: Neighborhood Art Installation

Bring art to your neighborhood! Create a neighborhood art installation to bring cheer to your neighbors. Use objects from around your house and get creative! Will you make an upcycled sculpture for your yard? Create chalk art on your sidewalk? Create artwork to decorate your windows? 

Check out this tutorial from Rich Alapack at We All Live Here, to learn a fun technique for making stained glass chalk art on your sidewalk!

Public art is powerful! Rally others to decorate their windows too and create an outdoor art show on your block. We can’t wait to see what fun designs you come up with!