Art Buff

My goal for 2012 is to make more art than 2011. I felt really proud of my projects from last year, but in the end, I only completed two. With a shorter commute this year and a slightly shorter work week, I think I can do better this time around. 

My  first art project of 2012 is about highlighting something hiding in plain sight. I’ve had a growing interest in the visual symbols of cultures and places lately, so I’m really excited about the Chicago Municipal Device, a 120-year-old symbol which most Chicagoans have never heard of.

So, my plan is find as many symbols as I can and highlight them with chalk. With each chalked Y I leave a laminated card which explains:

“This Y shape is known as the Chicago Municipal Device. It was introduced during the 1893 World’s Fair after the Chicago Tribune held a contest seeking a new symbol to represent our city. It derives its shape from Wolf Point, the place where the Chicago river forks. You’ll find it on the marquee of the Chicago Theater as well as your library card — but it’s all over Chicago. If you keep your eyes open, you’ll start to see it everywhere.”

Make room Chicago flag, we have another civic symbol.