Central Street Mural Tour

Mural located at 2902 Central Street patio

Central Street is a vibrant, eclectic and artistic neighborhood business district. Did you know there are 10 public art murals tucked away throughout the entire Central Street Business District? Take a self-guided tour and view the murals!

Spools of Thread Mural
Location: 2608 Green Bay Road Alley
Artist: Teresa Parod

This mural pays tribute to the adjacent sewing shop. Painted on the side of the building, the mural’s brightly-colored spools of thread and sewing tools grace the alley. 

Homage to Sondra Mural
Location: 1732 Central Street Back of Building
Artist: Teresa Parod

Homage to Sondra is a tribute to Sondra, a beautifully eccentric storytelling neighbor who lived on Teresa’s street and passed several years ago. Sondra told stories about having lunch with Picasso, eating lobster at the White House, and hugging John Travolta.

Connections Mural
Location: UP-Metra Underpass Green Bay Road & Central Street
Artist: Nick Goettling

“Connections” is the theme of the mural located under the UP-Metra Underpass. The Evanston Art Center partnered with the Evanston Mural Arts Program (EMAP) and Central Street Evanston to revitalize a critical connecting route – the Union Pacific / Metra underpass at Green Bay Rd. and Central St. Artist Nick Goettling visually reflects the diverse local community and embraces the power of public art.

The Fat Shallot Mural
Location: 2902 Central Street Back Patio

Painted by artists Alex Bradley Cohen and Nicola Florimbi, with help from Vivian Maud Cohen, this mural celebrates community and fellowship. The premise of the mural was inspired by Lois Armstrong’s “It’s a Wonderful World” and counteracts some of the social polarization that we are currently faced with. The mural celebrates diversity of life and tolerance for difference.

Birds of Concern Mural
Location: 1901 Central Street and Green Bay Rd.
Artist: Tyrue Slang Jones

Birds of Concern depicts three bird species threatened by climate change: the Blackburnian Warbler, the Red-headed Woodpecker, and the American Kestrel. This project was made possible by the Audoban Mural Project, a national public art initiative bringing public attention to the effects of climate change on bird populations. 

Community Partners: Central Street Evanston, Evanston North Shore Bird Club

Community Mural
Location: 2126 Central Street and Hartrey Avenue

This cheerful neighborhood mural was painted by local student artists and spans the length of the entire outside wall along Hartrey Ave. The artwork highlights iconic Evanston community gathering spaces. 

Jay Ryan Mural
Location: 1945 Central Street Alley

Renowned artist Jay Ryan of The Bird Machine in Chicago is known for his screen-printed posters, but he also paints large-scale murals on the side of the buildings. This mural celebrates the many characters that make up Central Street, and is visible on the side of the building in the alley. 

The Fiddler Mural
Location: 1920 Central Street Alley
Artists: Ani Kramer & Teresa Parod

The fiddler mural was painted as a tribute to the late artist Wesley Kramer. Wesley’s sister, Teresa Parod, and daughter, Ani Kramer, re-created one of his prints on the side of a building as a way to keep his art going for all to enjoy.

Elevate Curt's Cafe Mural
Location: 2922 Central St. and Lincolnwood Dr.

This mural was painted by local artist Sholo Beverly and Curt’s Cafe students to honor and support the organization’s mission. The design utilizes surrealism to capture the students’ feelings of dreaming and journeying. “Elevate” signifies elevating personal growth. This project was led by Art Encounter and funded through a community resiliency grant for the City of Evanston and the Evanston Arts Council. 

St. Kateri Center Youth Mural
Location: 3001 Central Street

The St. Kateri Center Youth Mural at the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian was painted by nine native children led by St. Kateri Youth Coordinator Negwes White, Navajo (Ojibwe/Diné) and Milwaukee artist Stacy Vittal (Oneida/Ho-Chunk). The centerpiece of the mural is based on an Ojibwe creation story of flood and rescue, saved on a turtle’s back.