Lakeview is Blooming this Mother’s Day – Dedication of Artist Ouizi’s Mural “Urbs in Horto” to Take Place May 12th

CHICAGO (April 29, 2019) – Bright, beautiful Chrysanthemums, roses and Echinacea are in full bloom along the Southport Corridor thanks to a brand new, 2,000 square foot mural by Detroit-based artist Louise Jones, also known as Ouizi. In the Lakeview mural, Ouizi draws inspiration from the Japanese art movement ukiyo-e and traditional Chinese painting style guóhuà to illustrate a floral history of Chicago.

Ouizi’s mural is sponsored by SSA 27 and Southport Neighbors Association and will be officially dedicated on Mother’s Day, May 12, 2019. As part of the dedication, SSA 27 will pass out flowers to mothers who visit the mural beginning at 10:30 AM.

“The response to Ouizi’s mural has been amazing. From children to adults, her artwork has already begun to stir our community’s creative feelings, which is one of the goals of the Lakeview Public Art Program,” said Dillon Goodson, Community Development Director at the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce. “We are making an unprecedented commitment to bring public art to every corner of our community and we can’t wait for more people to experience the artwork firsthand as we welcome the start of spring in West Lakeview.”

Her mural kicks-off a series of approximately 15 new public art installations from various artists that will adorn the neighborhood in 2019 as part of the Lakeview Public Art Program, an effort led by Lakeview Special Service Area 27 and its non-profit partner Friends of Lakeview to showcase innovative art throughout West Lakeview.

Ouizi’s creation incorporates bold and colorful flowers found throughout the Midwest in her design and features Chicago’s city flower, Chrysanthemums. It was inspired by the City of Chicago’s official motto, “Urbs in Horto,” which means “City in a Garden.” Her delicate and sweeping floral murals can be found across the world from China to North Carolina and New York to Detroit.

“We are incredibly excited to see Ouizi’s ‘Urbs in Horto’ spring to life on the Southport Corridor,” said David Genc, president of the Southport Neighbors Association. “Neighborhood residents played an important role in selecting Ouizi for this project, and we think her vibrant, colorful design will be a special showpiece on the Corridor. We thank the Lakeview Special Service Area (SSA) 27 for partnering with us on this beautification project.”

WHAT Dedication “Urbs in Horto”, by Louise “Ouizi” Jones

Flowers distributed to moms in honor of Mother’s Day, beginning at 10:30 AM

WHERE: 3637 N. Southport Ave., Chicago

WHO: Louise “Ouizi” Jones, artist; representatives from Lakeview Special Service Area 27 and Southport Neighbors Association

The inspiration for a mural at 3637 N. Southport Ave. is rooted in the 2011 Lakeview Area Master Plan, which prioritized the need for “more regular and district-wide public art.” As part of the Lakeview Public Art Program, SSA 27 and Friends of Lakeview will sponsor approximately 15 new murals throughout the neighborhood in 2019, with artists to be announced soon. For more information, visit www.lakeviewchamber.com/art.