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Oak Park awards 886-foot Water Tower Social District mural to local artist Desiree Kelly
Summary
The council unanimously approved awarding the 11 Mile Water Tower Social District mural to Oak Park native Desiree Kelly; staff said work will begin in spring and take about 11 weeks to complete, with the design vetted by a community mural committee and the city’s CIA board.
Oak Park City Council unanimously approved a staff recommendation on Nov. 3 to award the contract for the 11 Mile Water Tower Social District mural to Desiree Kelly, a Detroit-born muralist who grew up in Oak Park.
Michelle Bishop, manager of authorities, told the council the mural spans approximately 886 feet across four wall sections in the West Kingston and Middle Kingston lots. She said 20 artists applied and a review process that included the city’s CIA board and the Oak Park Mural Committee selected Desiree Kelly, who previously painted the library mural. "She's gonna start as soon as the weather breaks... it'll take her about 11 weeks to finish," Bishop said.
Council members praised the submissions and the selection. Council member Stephanie Crawford said, "I thought it was beautiful," and Council member Julie Edgar noted Kelly's familiarity with the city and said that many other submissions appeared to lack a deep understanding of Oak Park. Bishop said some wall areas were modified because of the 11 Mile construction and staff will work with the artist to adapt designs where dumpster enclosures or construction changes cover parts of the wall.
The contract award was moved, seconded and carried unanimously. Bishop said the city will likely meet with the artist within the next month to review final details and that the mural work will begin when weather permits, most likely in March or April, with completion expected about 11 weeks after work starts.
What happens next: staff will schedule a design review with the artist, finalize contract details and coordinate timing with the remaining 11 Mile construction work.
