State Street is going to explode with color this summer, but not because they’re planting a lot of flowers. June 5-Sept. 30, the art installation “Color Jam” will cover the buildings, streets and sidewalks at the intersection of State and Adams streets with vibrant hues.
The artwork, paid for by the Chicago Loop Alliance, is the creation of local artist Jessica Stockholder.
“She’ll drip color on that intersection, on the sidewalk and on the street itself,” says Ty Tabing, executive director for the CLA. “We’ve been working with the property owners and the city to do that, which is a bit of an undertaking. The scale will be quite large and engaging.”
The colors actually will be mostly adhesive vinyl, stuck to sidewalks and buildings at the intersection.
“They’re shapes and color put into the landscape that will slip past the edges of those elements, so a person can both look at the work and they’re on the work,” says Stockholder.
“… For a person who just happens upon the work, I expect it will just shift a person’s awareness or perception of where they are a little bit in a way that’s playful and enjoyable.”
There also will be ongoing events during the summer in conjunction with the artwork. On June 21, the area will be part of “Make Music Chicago.” Musicians will be performing within the artwork and amateur musicians are invited to bring their instrument and participate. On Aug. 18, there will be blank 6-foot-by-16-foot boards, paintbrushes and paint, as well as a presentation by Stockholder, so visitors can try their hand at helping to create a mural.
To sign up for the Aug. 18 event or for information on other programs, visit chicagoloopalliance.com.
“We hope it’s going to be a really immersive experience that captures the attention and curiosity of people of all ages,” Tabing says.
