Postcards to Chicago
Like many projects do, Postcards to Chicago developed over a long period of time, and then happened very quickly! A long relationship between Museum Executive Director Tanner Woodford and Navy Pier Chief Program and Civic Engagement Officer Michelle Boone (former Commissioner of the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events) and a long relationship between Museum Board Member Helyn Goldenberg and Pier Board Member Norm Bobbins were the catalysts for the partnership.
With plans to begin to engage visitors on the the North side of the Pier for more than just parking garages, there was a desire from Navy Pier to make the visual experience of “The People’s Pier” more appealing. Plus, the side of the structure was a perfect location for a 700-foot long, 90-foot tall mural!
Postcards to Chicago
at Navy Pier
Working with partner Murmur Ring, the Museum documented the process and impact of the mural through video, and are sharing it widely so people can experience and appreciate the artwork without actually visiting the Pier.
Four Icons
Early briefs and discussions with Pier staff solidified the concept around four of the Pier’s icons – the Centennial Wheel, Lake Michigan, Wave Wall Staircase, and the USS Chicago Anchor. The museum presented several concepts rejected by the team, finally landing on a graphic representations paired with photography of the actual icons, utilizing Navy Pier brand colors of magenta, blue, and green.
Working With Students
Several other partnerships were critical to the design and production of Postcards. Photography students from three Chicago colleges – Harry S Truman (City Colleges of Chicago), The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and the University of Illinois, Chicago – made images of the four icons to be utilized on the “towers” and eventually on didactic plaques installed along the pedestrian walkway next to the lake.
Color4, a Chicagoland printer specializing in large vinyl printing and installation, worked with the Navy Pier installation team to produce and print material that would stand up to some of the harshest wind and weather conditions in Chicago.
Figuring out the right combination of material and fasteners was an important element for safety and durability concerns. The installation materials also needed to be (relatively) easily accessible to allow for this design to be eventually rotated out, and provide other artists and designers access to the canvas.
Printing & Installation
Finally, the team needed to adjust for the impact of COVID-19 on the timing of the installation, personal safety for Color4 and Pier contractors, and broadly publicizing the project. Installation was complete in July 2020 and Navy Pier made the difficult decision to close for the season less than a month later. We were pleased to see that the mural could still be seen from points north of the Pier, particularly from the water and also from apartments and condos.
“I think it really honors and lives up to the mission of The People’s Pier of inviting, not just Chicagoans but people all over the world, to really get a chance to see and experience what culture and art in Chicago is all about.”
Behind the Scenes
We are so pleased to share Postcards to Chicago with the world, and are looking forward to how the project grows and evolves alongside of Navy Pier and the City of Chicago!
