About the Artists of the Wall Festival

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2023 ARTISTS OF THE WALL:  STORIES OF THE WALL

30TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

The Artists of the Wall Festival got its start in 1993, when a group of Rogers Park neighbors came up with a crucial idea. Gangs had been continually tagging graffiti on the 600-foot sea wall to the point where the Chicago park district couldn’t keep up maintenance. The group thought if the wall was painted by the community with art, that it would be respected and could be enjoyed by all throughout the year. And having the event on Father’s Day weekend would make it a family-oriented event that would bring the whole Rogers Park community out.

Father's Day Weekend

The 600’ wall features 160 individual “artist spaces” of various sizes and shapes and runs along the lakefront between Farwell and Morse Avenues. Each year’s art remains on display until May, when the wall is again whitewashed and prepared for the next year’s newly themed art works. And so, began a tradition which has grown into an annual celebration and features live music with free performances by international artists against the backdrop of Lake Michigan.

It’s a true celebration of community, creativity, and music that is kept going by the work of the non-profit Loyola Park Advisory Council.

Please check out our Registration and FAQs page for information on how to become a participant.

Volunteers are welcome, please contact us and learn how to become involved.

From our gallery

Get Involved

It’s a true celebration of community, creativity, and music that is kept going by the work of the Loyola Park Advisory Council dedicated volunteers.

Please check out our Registration and FAQs page for information on how to become a participant.

Volunteers are welcome, please contact us and learn how to become involved.

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