LIVING WALLS

This month’s issue of “Living Walls” took me farther north than my typical commute to see one of the most life-like and stunning murals I’ve come across in person, located in the Boystown/Lakeview neighborhood. Between the colorful waves and the gold leafing throughout, I found it hard not to spend just a few extra minutes embracing the story, culture, and community that comes to life from what is, at its most simplistic version, just a wall. “The Love I Vibrate” looks to honor our city’s queer culture and the non-binary community members and stands where it is as a means to open the conversation of queer creatives and leaders in Chicago. As we look to celebrate Pride Month, it is important to remember that Chicago is home to so many strong and amazing people in the LGBTQ community and I hope that you find the opportunity to explore the neighborhood and appreciate and learn more about the stories that build up this community.

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY ALEX ALVAREZ

STREETVIEW

Boystown / Lakeview Neighborhood 3245 North Halsted Street

Mural Artists

Sandra Antongiorgi | @santongiorgi Andy Bellomo | @andyBmix Sam Kirk | @iamsamkirk Portrait of Kiam Marcelo Junio | @iamkiam