(DePaul University/Jamie Moncrief)
An exhibition that takes attendees behind the scenes of the making of "The Story of 'The Little School Under the "L" — Under the "L" ' " public art project opens Jan. 10 and runs through March 9 at the Richardson Art Gallery on DePaul's Lincoln Park Campus.
Curated by Brother Mark Elder, C.M., a faculty member in DePaul's Art School, "Behind the Pillars" features 25 illustration boards for the 25 murals located under the Chicago Transit Authority's Fullerton "L" stop and a 15-minute video showing clips from installations and details on the murals. Also on view are basketballs painted by Elder that feature elements of the murals. The illustration boards house research from the archives, scale illustrations of the murals and other work done by students who helped throughout the project via Elder's "Creating Murals" class he teaches each spring quarter.
The exhibition is free and open to the DePaul community and the public between 1-5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday or
by appointment with Elder. A special opening-night event begins at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 10.
"This exhibition puts a nice bow on an exciting and fulfilling project for me," says Elder. "Folks will enjoy seeing how the entire project came together. It's truly a celebration of everyone who played a role in it. I look forward to sharing the stories, research and drawings with all who are interested."
"The Story of 'The Little School Under the "L" — Under the "L" ' "
concluded in 2022 after nearly a decade of planning and installation. It is composed of 25 colorful, 10-foot-tall paintings on the CTA's gray pillars and celebrates key figures and moments
in the university's 125-year history. It includes groundbreaking people such as men's basketball coach Ray Meyer, basketball Hall of Famer George Mikan, trailblazing alumni and presidents, and Chicago's first archbishop, Patrick A. Feehan. A beginning mural discusses the project, and an "End of Trail" mural honors those who contributed to the project.
"Behind the Pillars"
Jan. 10 – March 9
Tuesday through Thursday, 1 – 5 p.m., or by appointment with Brother Mark Elder, C.M.
Free
Richardson Art Gallery
2350 N. Kenmore Ave.