At the Heart of the City: Western Avenue in 24 Paintings

source:waterpaintings.blogspot.com

Western Avenue, the longest continuous street in America, perhaps one of Chicago’s ugliest, stretching 24 miles, cutting the city from north to south is the subject of watercolor paintings.  Seems like such a delicate medium for a rather chaotic road. Nonetheless it is always exciting to see the familiar through new eyes.  

As a child growing up west of Western, passing it always meant visits to the lake, the roller rink, and field trips. Visits on Western proper were limited to car dealerships and places otherwise forgettable to a child's mind.   A thoroughfare indeed, showcasing everything from magic shops to cemeteries and that’s only a small stretch.  

Interestingly enough Jane Sloss, an architect and watercolor painter has chosen this overdriven and perhaps overlooked avenue to portray in a series of 24 watercolor paintings, one for each stretch of the avenue. With so much to see on Western, Jane Sloss must be a good decision maker to have chosen one site for each mile.  The exhibit is on view at the Beverly Arts Center until May 28th, on the corner of 111^th st. and Western Ave.  If visiting, may I suggest taking Western Avenue and picking your own favorite sites.