My niece lives in Pilsen, a neighborhood on the near-southwest side of Chicago. It is an area filled with public art, particularly colorful murals, celebrating Mexican culture, creativity and self-expression.

It started in the late 1960s as an expression of opposition to the Vietnam War and a source for Mexican-Americans to learn and celebrate their history. Over the years it went more mainstream. Viaducts, buildings, fences and more became canvasses for famous local artists and aspiring young artists.

One of the leaders behind these efforts is Jeff Maldonado. Tragically, his son Jeff, known as J-Def, was murdered shortly after his nineteenth birthday. A young hip hop artist, J-Def worked to bring a positive message to the neighborhood. The J-Def Peace Project aims to continue his legacy through art, film screenings, performing arts and more.

I’m a big proponent of any outdoor art. Augmenting sometimes dull bits of scenery with art brightens a whole neighborhood. Replacing concrete underpass walls are unique artistic creations. Messages of Pilsen pride, historic figures, scenic images and abstract art are represented on the many murals.

Pilsen isn’t the only area with such murals, but it probably has the most. They really add beauty, pride and history to the area as well as giving young artists a place to shine.

— John Wroblewski, online writer