Vision for Expanding and Enhancing Pilsen’s Murals and the National Museum of Mexican Art
Type of Presentation
Event
Location
Hall of Governors
Start Date
4-1-2016 4:00 PM
End Date
4-1-2016 6:00 PM
Abstract
The goal of this project is to unite art, community and culture within Pilsen, a neighborhood located southwest of downtown Chicago. With many murals, some of which date back to the 1970s, Pilsen is rich in color, culture, and heritage. One can see murals on buildings, signs, and a stretch of wall along the train tracks that span 16th Street. Pilsen also harbors the National Museum of Mexican Art. The mural wall needs repair, restoration, and enhancement. For many Mexican-Americans, murals have helped create a sense of unity and cultural identity.
Through site visits and structured observation I gathered ethnographic data informing the proposed museum and mural project. Represented in the presentation are photographs from my field research documenting the degraded condition of the wall and the potential for enhancing and uniting the vibrant murals with the National Museum Art. Preserving and enhancing the mural wall along 16th Street will make this community space welcoming and will further a sense of place, pride, and local stakeholders in Pilsen and beyond.
Presentation File
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Vision for Expanding and Enhancing Pilsen’s Murals and the National Museum of Mexican Art
Hall of Governors
The goal of this project is to unite art, community and culture within Pilsen, a neighborhood located southwest of downtown Chicago. With many murals, some of which date back to the 1970s, Pilsen is rich in color, culture, and heritage. One can see murals on buildings, signs, and a stretch of wall along the train tracks that span 16th Street. Pilsen also harbors the National Museum of Mexican Art. The mural wall needs repair, restoration, and enhancement. For many Mexican-Americans, murals have helped create a sense of unity and cultural identity.
Through site visits and structured observation I gathered ethnographic data informing the proposed museum and mural project. Represented in the presentation are photographs from my field research documenting the degraded condition of the wall and the potential for enhancing and uniting the vibrant murals with the National Museum Art. Preserving and enhancing the mural wall along 16th Street will make this community space welcoming and will further a sense of place, pride, and local stakeholders in Pilsen and beyond.
Other Presentation Disciplines:
Dr. Frances Kostarelos is a Professor of Anthropology and Sociology and Ms. Lindsey Zimmer is an undergraduate student in Anthropology and Sociology in the College of Arts and Sciences.