Each letter in the mural contains a hand-painted scene representing a unique facet of Chicago's cultural or architectural identity.
The mural was completed in 2015 as part of a cross-country mural project aimed at highlighting local pride.
The project creators traveled the country in an RV to research and paint murals in various states.
The wall was donated by a local business owner who wanted to contribute to the neighborhood's aesthetic appeal.
The Greetings From Chicago mural is a large-scale public art installation painted by muralist Victor Ving and photographer Lisa Beggs. It is part of the 'Greetings Tour' project, which creates vintage postcard-style murals in cities across the United States. The artwork features the word 'CHICAGO' in large block letters, with each letter containing scenes iconic to the city, such as the skyline, deep-dish pizza, and the bean. The mural is located on the exterior side wall of a local business in the Logan Square neighborhood. It functions as an interactive public space designed specifically to invite tourist photography and civic appreciation. The design utilizes a vibrant color palette and distinct typography inspired by 1930s-1950s large-letter postcards.
Stand directly across the street on the sidewalk to capture the mural head-on, ensuring the perspective remains flat.
Visit during the early morning hours to avoid crowds and get a clear photo without other tourists in the frame.
Check the opposite side of the street for a wider angle shot that captures the entire mural height.
Use a wide-angle lens if photographing with a professional camera, as the sidewalk space is somewhat limited.
Do not attempt to climb or touch the mural surface to preserve the paint quality; avoid blocking the narrow sidewalk for local pedestrians.
