Insert mural here: 5 Rogers Park underpasses most sorely in need of high-color help

Alderman Joe Moore of the 49th Ward recently announced an open call to submit proposals to beautify some of the less-than-appealing CTA and Metra rail bridges of Rogers Park through the $84,000 Mass Underpass Murals Project. (One could argue the entire transit system needs a purging of grand proportions, but only a select number of crossings within Moore’s ward are eligible.) With mural proposals due by Friday, July 16, at 5 p.m., The A.V. Club jumped off at Jarvis in search of those viaducts most desperately needing a facelift—or, in some cases, major reconstructive surgery—and also handpicked some local artists best suited for the job.

Farwell CTA

As decaying urban bridges go, Farwell Ave. is nothing special (save for the overwhelming rot of its yellow-and-white paint job), but its location as the southern gateway to the Glenwood Avenue Arts District demands it put its best face forward. Interestingly, this particular spot has given nice-looking art a home in the past, albeit of a more “street” variety—perhaps this would be the time for Farwell to go legit.

Recommendation: Chicago-based muralist Gregory Gove, whose work already graces The Signature Room (875 N. Michigan Ave., 312-787-9596). If he can handle St. Louis baseball legend Ozzie Smith’s front door, chances are he could just as easily handle the de facto entrance to Rogers Park’s still-beating artistic heart.

Greenleaf CTA

The recently rehabbed storefronts around the corner along the east side of the 7000 block of North Glenwood Avenue certainly beckon to potential investors or entrepreneurs, but the general crustiness of the bridge running over Greenleaf Avenue makes it a less-than-ideal welcome mat for any potential visitors.

Recommendation: Local multimedia “urban recycler” Lewis Lain’s spooky yet accessible style, covering ground from oddball action figures to vaguely humanoid robots, presents a curiosity factor perfect for inviting passersby to see just what’s around the corner—for example, Lain’s new “Origins” piece, already submitted for consideration.

Estes CTA

A mural has covered the south side of the Estes Avenue crossing since 2002, but unnamed taggers have since obscured the wall’s message of love and togetherness with a not-so-subtle announcement that the MCBs are going to fuck some shit up.

Recommendation: Simply scrubbing over the tags won’t work (some have already unsuccessfully tried), but the kids from nearby North Shore School could use the opportunity to show off what private school has taught them. Anyone can go to space camp, but how many kids can say they’ve painted a smiley face over a crooked pitchfork?

Touhy Metra

Years of general indifference and proximity to a quiet residential area have made the bridge covering Touhy Avenue a poster child for the triumph of filth and weeds over the human spirit. Cracked paint, overgrown vegetation, solid grime all around: If ever a place could use beautifying, this is it.

Recommendation: One of Katherine Lampert’s self-described “fine art murals” would provide a more appropriately subtle aesthetic. Her subdued designs already grace most of the dining and cocktail destinations of the downtown Hyatt Regency, and illustrated shrubbery would offer a visually pleasing alternative to Touhy’s unchecked foliage.

Rogers Metra

The south side of the North Rogers Avenue underpass already boasts a collaborative mural depicting people in all kinds of joyous, community-building activities while espousing positive, uplifting messages. (“Keep the community clean,” “Be in harmony—together in peace.”) Yet in typical Chicago fashion, time and jerks have joined forces to wither and vandalize the otherwise life-affirming artwork. (Is that the kind of message you want to send, Rogers Park—that staying in school is, in fact, not cool?) 

Recommendation: Along with a restoration of the existing mural, a vaguely playful new piece (or collage, considering the standalone nature of his creations) by print artist Jay Ryan across the street could do wonders to augment the message of hope—and if a cat on a bike won’t change a would-be vandal’s mind, nothing will.