When it comes to public art, everyone has a right to their opinion. Still, as much as I admire Mary Wisniewski’s reporting and nonfiction, I was dismayed that she did not include any classic, landmark outdoor community murals, particularly those from the 1970s and ’80s, in her list of Chicago’s 10 not-to-miss pieces of public art (“The people’s gallery,” Aug. 9). And though some of these accessible murals, primarily located in South and West Side neighborhoods, continue to be periodically restored, other street masterpieces are endangered due to funding pressures, neglect and potential redevelopment.
Then again, it is understandable if such murals are overlooked; to many, public art means sculptures.
It is all the more poignant because what became known as the nationwide “People’s Art” movement was born in Chicago in August 1967 when William Walker with Organization of Black American Culture artists and local residents created the “Wall of Respect” in Bronzeville; the epochal Black Arts mural was completed just days after the “Chicago Picasso” was unveiled. Gwendolyn Brooks read a tribute poem at each dedication.
Not only does Chicago boast more intact African American murals from the movement’s early years than any other city in the nation, but it also claims what are believed to be the country’s three oldest surviving street murals, all from 1971, located in Humboldt Park. They all illustrate Puerto Rican culture and history themes and memorialize the struggles and aspirations of neighbors. Each has been repainted several times over the decades; community groups are still raising funds to revitalize “La Crucifixión de Don Pedro Albizu Campos,” a work by the Puerto Rican Art Association, at North and Artesian avenues.
And while existing vintage murals created in the 1970s and ’80s by the renowned painting team of Mitchell Caton and Calvin Jones have also been restored in recent years by Chicago Public Art Group artists, two of them — “A Time to Unite” at 41st Street and Drexel Avenue and “Another Time’s Voice Remembers My Passion’s Humanity” at the shuttered Donnelley Youth Center at 40th Street and Michigan Avenue — face uncertain futures.
These and other community-engaged public artworks remain significant to their residents, to Chicago’s artistic and cultural heritage, and to the nearly 60-year-old history of the national mural movement. They should also be on our city’s not-to-miss — and must-save — lists.
— Jeff W. Huebner, Chicago
Don’t forget these sculptures
I would add several pieces of public art to Mary Wisniewski’s list. Alexander Calder’s Flamingo in front of the Kluczynski Federal Building, Claes Oldeburg’s Batcolumn outside the Harold Washington Social Security Administration building and John David Mooney’s Spiral Galaxy beside the Adler Planetarium. (Full disclosure: Mooney was my art professor at the University of Notre Dame.)
— Ken Juranek, Des Plaines
Faith informs my vote
The midterm elections are fast approaching. All citizens who are religious of any persuasion can consider their vote in the light of their faith.
For instance, as a Christian, I am called to vote for doing justice, making peace, loving mercy, being humble, doing good and resisting evil and, most of all, loving my neighbor, whoever that is. The theologian Karl Barth said we should hold a Bible in one hand and a newspaper in the other, meaning that we should connect our faith to the world around us, including the political situation.
Thus, our faith perspective comes first in voting. Not party or ideology or personality. I am sure this example is essentially true of all the world’s great religions. To do this calls for vigilance and prayer.
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Let’s check the box for love above all.
— The Rev. Martin Deppe, Racine, Wisconsin
Meditate on thundering jets
Once again, the Chicago Air and Water Show is being inflicted upon the city. It is reminiscent of the “breads and circuses” of another failed empire. Just as with the Romans, we peasants are treated to a spectacle to distract us from the reality of the abject impoverishment of the social safety net and the abandonment of the poor. The weapons dealers responsible for the cacophony on the lakefront of thundering jets have been gifted in the billions of tax dollars for the research and development of these weapons of mass destruction.
The aerospace industry runs the most efficient scam by benefiting from the neoliberal mantra of public subsidy and privatized profit.
The billions from the public treasury have resulted in profits beyond the dreams of avarice. That money could have gone a long way to educating our children and feeding the poor.
It would be wise for the throngs gathering on the lakefront to reflect on what they are sacrificing for their day at the beach.
— Edward David Juillard, Chicago
Make reading a habit for kids
I like John Warner’s column in the Sunday Tribune. His recent column “Is the end of reading here?” (July 26) touches a nerve.
As I take public transportation daily, I frequently see adults do the cellphone shimmy. They look at their phone, put it in a pocket and, three to five minutes later, out it comes. Repeat. It’s not just children with an addiction but adults as well.
Sometimes, I think I am a member of a cult because I commonly read while riding. My mother deserves credit. Often while running errands, she would leave me at the local library to facilitate getting her errands done. As a preteen, I became absorbed in the life of Davy Crockett, Wild Bill Hickok and others through stories written for my age group. But I read. She followed the same practice with my younger sister who became a professional librarian.
My point is that parents have the ability to encourage their children to read. Instead of children getting hooked on phones, parents should start them reading at an early age.
— Jim Halas, Norridge
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