Stay In The Loop
A Chicago Public Art Guide
The Vision
Chicago is not just a city; it’s an open-air museum. Home to a world-class collection of public art, it boasts pieces by legends like Picasso, Chagall, Miró, Calder, and Dubuffet. Many of these treasures are nestled within the vibrant heartbeat of the city, the Chicago Loop. With "Stay in the Loop," my goal was to create more than just a guide. I set out to design an interactive experience that bridges discovery with accessibility. This is not merely a map; it’s a narrative, a tool to explore, learn, and connect with the stories these artworks tell as they seamlessly integrate with Chicago’s iconic streetscape.
The Concept
The idea for "Stay in the Loop" sparked during countless CTA commutes. The train system’s route maps, with their clean lines and practical elegance, inspired the visual language of the project. Given that all 15 featured installations are within or near the Loop, it was only natural to merge the aesthetic of public transit with the guide's purpose.
Adobe Illustrator played a pivotal role in recreating the familiar essence of CTA maps, while Adobe InDesign allowed me to weave those elements cohesively into the final product. The design deliberately mirrors the CTA’s clarity and functionality, aesthetic choices that make navigating the guide second nature for the user.
The Process
This guide wasn’t built behind a desk. I visited every installation, camera in hand, to ensure authenticity and personal connection with the works. Mapping my journey to each location became the foundation for organizing the guide’s structure. Utilizing both city maps and CTA train routes, I charted the closest stops to each piece, ensuring an effortless experience for the user. Every photograph, every route, and every detail is the result of this hands-on exploration, a labor of love for Chicago and its cultural heartbeat.
The Invitation
"Stay in the Loop" is a call to action for both locals and tourists. Whether you’re rushing to work or leisurely wandering, take a moment to immerse yourself in these vibrant expressions of creativity. These works are more than art; they’re pieces of Chicago’s soul, each carrying its legacy and history. So go ahead, step off the train, look up, and let this guide be your compass to Chicago’s extraordinary outdoor gallery.
Explore. Admire. Stay in the Loop.
Go out and explore.
I hope this project inspires you to go out and explore some of these iconic cultural attractions. Whether you work in the Loop or are touring the Windy City, you owe it to yourself to experience these pieces of public art that hold the legacy and history of the great city of Chicago.
Feel free to download if interested.