Written by Dustin Ford
Chicago is home to fearless artists and ever-changing mediums. This year Chicago pays homage to its many artists and performers, this is one such homage. Art on theMART is a permanent installation that displays on the 2.5-acre south face of the Merchandise Mart. This display will be available 15 minutes after sunset each day until September 29th. This exhibit is expected to return each year for a minimum of 30 years.
Thirty-four high-powered projectors sit across the river facing theMART’s south Façade. The entire half of theMART is illuminated with a stunning moving display for all of the Riverwalk to see. There is an ever-rotating selection of installations on display. It’s a fantastic place to take a date or friends on a night out. In fact, it’s so big that you might see it by accident.
This year’s display is a part of the 2019 Year of Chicago Theater, presented by the League of Chicago Theatres and Chicago itself. This project brings together artists of all disciplines and allows them to indulge their craft. And, yes, this event is free and available to the public. It is important that this be accessible to everyone as it is meant to bring people together through art. Former Mayor Rahm Emanuel once said that “Art on theMART will be a visionary project that brings new energy to the Riverwalk while strengthening Chicago’s Legacy of public art.” In its short run, it has managed to do just that. Who knows what the future holds for Art on theMART?
You can check out previews as well as showing dates and information at the Art on theMart website. Also, be sure to check out our blog for more new things to do around Chicago.
