Photo Credit: Explore Elgin
We all know the city has amazing murals and street art, but did you know the suburbs also offer great options for outdoor art as well? Grab your phone and get ready to check out these Insta-worthy spots outside the city.
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North/Northwest Suburbs
Angel Wings
Artist: Kelsey Montague
Where: Mellody Farms, 851-1101 Milwaukee Ave, Vernon Hills (Side of SolidCore)
Don’t be afraid to pose with your little ones here. Adult and mini-sized wings are there for capturing the perfect Insta-worthy shot.
Things to Come
Artist: Tristan Eaton
Where: Mellody Farms, 851-1101 Milwaukee Ave, Vernon Hills (By Nordstrom Rack)
This mural pays tribute to Mercury, the Roman god of merchants and trade, perfect for the shopping center … and selfies.
Eye Candy
Artist: Anthony Lewellen
Where: Hawthorn Mall, 122 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills
You’ll want to don your sunglasses too at this huge mural placed on the side of the building.
Now & Forever
Artist: Ruben Rojas
Where: Hawthorn Mall, 122 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills
It’s hard to miss the 5,000-square-foot mural spreading all the love, which is especially needed in 2020.
Travel and Flight
Artist: Shawn Bullen
Where: Centrum Evanston, 1590 Elmwood Avenue, Evanston
All aboard! Snap a selfie by this Metra wall in downtown Evanston. Can you find the hidden word in the mural?
Native Botanicals
Artist: Louise Jones “Ouizi”
Where: 1233 Chicago Avenue, Evanston
Who wouldn’t want to stop and smell the pretty flowers here?
100 Years of Girl Scouts
Artist: Cheri Lee Charlton
Where: At Lake Street Metra/CTA underpass at Sherman Avenue, Evanston
The artist partnered up with the Evanston Girl Scouts and worked with more than 200 girls! Look closely at the mural and spot the Girl Scout cookies. Getting hungry, yet?
Typewriter
Artist: WrdSmth
Where: Al’s Cycle Shop, 8118 Lincoln Ave., Skokie
Let the typewriter’s message give you inspiration for the day. Tip: Another of WrdSmth’s murals can be also be found Skokie at Euro Echo Cafe, 7919 Lincoln Ave.
Skokie Theatre
Artist: Sick Fisher
Where: 7924 Lincoln Avenue, Skokie
This mural takes up the entire 3200-square-foot wall of the Skokie Theatre is an ode to the arts performed at the theatre itself.
Lauren Asta Mural
Artist: Lauren Asta
Where: 4517 Oakton St., Skokie
Doodles come to life in this amazing black and white mural. Can you believe this artist free hands all her murals? Simply amazing.
Las Raices del alma (Roots of the Soul)
Artist: Melina Scotte
Where: 200 E. Chicago St., Elgin
Located on the main level of a parking garage, this mural represents the culture and traditions that are acquired and passed down to the next generation. Don’t miss a stop at the super sweet candy store all decked out in pink, Cook’s Sweet Boutique.
Which Way
Artist: Joanna White
Where: 45 Symphony Way, Elgin
These hands will guide you to the Hemmens Cultural Center or downtown Elgin. Either way, more art is waiting to be explored. Tip: While you’re here you must explore the rest of Downtown Elgin with this self-guided art walk.
Keep Looking Up
Artist: Unknown
Where: 35 Main Street, Lake Zurich
If this doesn’t lift your spirits, I don’t know what will. Okay, maybe this along with a sweet treat from the ice cream shop, My Flavor It Place, a few doors down.
South Suburbs
Butterfly Wings
Artist: Victoria L. Lantz
Where: 12213 S. Harlem Ave., Palos Heights
Because who can get enough of butterfly wings?
Greenhouse
Artist: Richard Haas
Where: 18064 Martin Avenue, Homewood
You’ll do a double take once you see the Homewood mural painted to feel like it’s popping out. Tip: Find more Richard Haas murals at visitchicagosouthland.com.
Angel Wings
Artist: Oscar Aguirre
Where: Wings Dance Studio, 940 N. State St., Lockport
Who can resist posing with pretty purple wings and an uplifting message?
Western Suburbs
Hope Wings
Artist: Sam Cervantes
Where: Side of La France Bakery, 118 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora
Grab a concha at La France Bakery, then head to the side for a selfie with these extra large wings.
Herons
Artist: Bunnie Reiss
Where: Fox River Trail/New York Street underpass, Aurora
Fuel up with coffee from Endiro Coffee and head down by the river. These colorful herons beckon visitors for a pose. Ready to go on a self-guided mural walk through downtown Aurora? Come follow along.
Frida Kahlo
Artist: Geoff Bevington
Where: 449 N. Main Street, Glen Ellyn
Although the Frida Kahlo exhibit at the Cleve Carney Museum of Art has been postponed until next summer, the mural was painted earlier to jumpstart the celebration of art.
Yorktown Butterfly
Artist: Kelsey Montague
Where: Yorktown Mall at Highland Avenue, Lombard
Obsessed with taking pics with wings? Well, head to Yorktown to find more of Kelsey Montague’s wings, but in butterfly form.
World’s Greatest Artists
Artist: Created by Mike Venezia; painted by Marianne Lisson Kuhn
Where: Naperville Art League Building, 508 N. Naperville St., Naperville
Find 32 famous artists like Leonardo Da Vinci, Georgia O’Keefe, and Michelangelo painting their own masterpieces on this 67-foot-wide mural.
Come Blow Your Horn
Artist: Zenia McBride and Gayle Picerno Prior
Where: 703 W. Hillgrove Ave., LaGrange
Looking for inspiration? With messages displaying written like “Be Kind” and “Loved”, this mural has all the good vibe feels.
Believe There Is Good in The World
Artist: Zenia McBride and Gayle Picerno Prior
Where: 729 W. Hillgrove Ave., LaGrange
Pick three of your favorite people and take a pic at each of the three angel wings that grace this colorful wall.
Welcoming Arbor
Artist: Katie Farley and students
Where: 919 W. Hillgrove Ave., La Grange
Selected as a winning artist in 2018, 8th grader Katie Farley’s submission comes to life in this floral mural that conveys community, peace, beauty.
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