Unsung Heroes of Uptown:

Unsung Heroes of Uptown” Art of People ON the Street IN the Street was sponsored by a grant from the city of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs (DCASE), and JCDecaux which gifted their architect-designed bus shelters to Chicago as well as to cities all over the world. The exhibition debuted in bus shelters across Chicago the summer of 2024. The show continues indefinitely online on this website. Each portrait includes a QR code which leads the viewer to a unique audio and website ideally viewed in person as a “performance” between viewer and artwork.

‘Unsung Heroes of Uptown’ encourages us to see the “remarkable” in everyone. Taking the time, even for a moment, to talk to each other, expands not only our individual worlds created by the Digital Age, but deepens our sense of compassion. It also addresses our biological need for connection to each other and to the world we all share. Bringing the art gallery to the street was a perfect venue for this limited edition of “Unsung Heroes.” It forced Chicagoans to look at each other with renewed curiosity and sparked many conversations. Hopefully the series brings Chicago’s legendary storyteller Studs Terkel’s work which inspired this project to audiences new and old. More about Studs can be found at: https://studsterkel.wfmt.com