Welcome Back to Main Street: A Community Mural for Evanston
With support from a Cook County Arts Placemaking grant, Open Studio Project is transforming the three-story brick wall on the back of our building that overlooks City of Evanston Parking lot #24 at 727 Main Street.
Here are a few ways you can get involved:
Save the date for September 19th for the mural dedication party!
Explore the blog below for stories, information, and updates
Donate! Your donation will help pay our artists, for supplies, on-going maintenance, and more.
What is a Goofy Grid?
Work on the Main Street Mural has begun. But what’s with all the letters and symbols on the wall? It’s Oscar Joyo’s goofy grid. Read more about this fun first step in painting the Main Street Mural.
An Interview with Hope Washinushi
Hope Washinushi is Open Studio’s Creative Director and one of the contributors to the Main Street Mural. In this interview, Hope talks all things mosaics, murals, and why public art projects like this are so important.
Making Tiles for the Main Street Mural
Hundreds of community joined us in the studio to create tiles that will be installed on the Main Street Mural. Read more about the process and see what happens next!
Main Street Mural Update: Masonry Work
As of June 1st, masonry work for the Main Street Mural is well under way to prepare the wall for the new mural. See photos and read our update!
Artopia 2026 Recap
Art lovers from across Evanston joined our staff, volunteers, and board members for Open Studio Project’s annual fundraiser — Artopia.
The Original Mural: An Interview with Carla Kinney-Phillips
In 1993, legendary art teacher, Carla Kinney-Philips, and students from Nichols Middle School worked together to create a mural on Main Street. Recently, Carla visited the studio to share that story and more.
Community Survey Results
More than 50 people have responded to our survey to help generate ideas for the Main Street Mural. Read what they had to say and share your own thoughts!
4 Ways to Get Involved with the Main Street Mural
From taking our community survey to attending YEA! Fest, there are lots of ways to get involved with the Main Street Mural project. Keep reading to learn more!
Design Your Own Mural
Download this printable worksheet to design your own Main Street Mural!
Here’s What Happened At the Main Street Mural Community Workshops
Check out these photos from our first two community workshops.
Through the Main Street Mural Project, Open Studio is bringing neighbors together to envision and create a lasting work of public art that reflects the resilience, compassion, and strength of our community.
An Interview With Oscar Joyo: Main Street Mural Artist
In this interview, Oscar Joyo discusses his creative process, how he got into making murals, and why more he’s excited to partner with Open Studio Project on the Main Street Mural.
An Interview With Xavier Wynn and Edwige Massart: Main Street Mural Artists
In this interview with Xavier Wynn and Edwige Massart, you’ll get to know two of the artists behind the Main Street Mural Project. Read more about their creative process, and why they’re excited to be a part of the Main Street Mural!
What is the Open Studio Process?
In 1991, the Open Studio process was developed by three art therapists to facilitate maximum freedom of expression in a safe, creative environment. Read more about the process and how Open Studio Project is using it to bring the transformative power of art to individuals for personal growth, social emotional learning, and community well-being.
What is Creative Placemaking?
Open Studio’s Executive Director Rob Lentz discusses the idea of creative placemaking and how a new mural on Main Street will enhance placemaking efforts in Evanston.
Main Street Mural Community Survey
Open Studio Project is creating a new mural on Main Street. Take our community survey to let us know what you love about our neighborhood, and your words just might spark an idea that makes it onto the wall.
