Metra Station Portraits Feature Faces of South Chicago

CHICAGO, IL — Travelers passing through a pair of South Side Metra stations will be greeted by colorful displays showcasing the faces of some of the people living in the surrounding neighborhoods.

Earlier this month, two portraits were hung at the Metra stations at 87th and 93rd streets as part of a joint community engagement project between the transit agency and archi-treasures, a nonprofit group that involves residents by using art to transform public spaces and improve Chicago neighborhoods. The artwork is part of a collection of 22 portraits that spotlight residents of Germano Millgate Apartments, a 300-unit, subsidized housing project in South Chicago.

"The goal of this project is to represent the people who live at Germano Millgate Apartments by broadcasting their portraits publicly and telling their stories, thereby challenging a dominant narrative about low-income housing that is largely inaccurate as well as humiliating to residents," archi-treasures executive director Joyce Fernandes said in a statement. "These portraits are part of archi-treasures’ Front Porch Project, which creatively examines the front porch as a place of neighborly exchange that marks the border between private/family space and public/community space."

The portraits were created by Italian artist Chiara Galimberti, who collaborated with residents on the project. Each portrait also is hung with a plaque that describes the program and tell people where to find more information.

"I am excited to have an art installation of portraits showcasing the strong, vibrant people of South Chicago. … An art installation at these particular train stops will instill pride in our neighbors that the 10th Ward matters to the region!" Alderwoman Sue Sadlowski Garza (10th Ward) said in Metra's press release about the program.

The portraits are an example of Metra's streamlined community enhancement intiative that requires partners to fund projects aimed at increasing community engagement and improving the quality of life around Chicago. Art activities must reflect a community's characteristics and could include:

• building murals
• free-standing sculptures, mosaics and photographs
• painting and beautification of public areas, such as viaducts, columns and bridge walls
• installation and upkeep of landscaping enhancements.

Potential partners can go to Metra's website for more information about the enhancement program, or they can contact the agency's Community Affairs department at 312-322-6753 or via email at communityenhancement@metrarr.com.

Two portraits hung in South Side Metra stations as part of the agency's community enhanceent project. (images via Metra)

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