I took an el train to meet friends staying at Marriott Marquis in Chicago’s South Loop. Because it was a dry, crisp day, I left early, got off the train on the North Side and enjoyed a long walk through downtown Chicago to take in the sights.

The Four Seasons by Marc Chagall is composed of more than 250 colors of inlaid chips. Created in France, Chagall updated the mosaic to reflect the changing skyline after its installation. He also added native Chicago bricks.

Photo 62478649 © Demerzel21 | Dreamstime.com

Brazilian street artist Eduardo Kobra honored the late, legendary Chicago blues musician Muddy Waters with a mural spanning 10 floors. Kobra also did similar works memorializing Bob Dylan in Minneapolis and David Bowie in Jersey City.

Photo 109203153 © Photobulb | Dreamstime.com

Summer Tree Blowing in the Wind by Ruth Aizuss Migdal was installed near Marriott Marquis in 2017. Standing 14 feet tall and composed of bright-red-painted stainless steel, it is a striking image against the Chicago skyline.

In the same area I saw one of the remaining K9 for Cops sculptures. Several years ago, PAWS and Chicago Police Memorial Foundation partnered on a public art installation campaign and fundraising initiative called K9s for Cops. A few of the sculptures were purchased by businesses and remain on the streets.

Located in front of the hotel, BOTs is a large version of Cubebot, the puzzle toy. Erected in 2018, it consists of several pieces all made of aluminum. The big, yellow blocks are especially popular among youngsters.

Still with a little extra time, I took the opportunity to visit a few friends at Wintrust Arena. I caught up with a few sports writers and players, including Rayven Peeples of St. John’s, after DePaul’s women’s basketball team played St. John’s.

By then it was time to meet my friends at Pizano’s, and I was hungry. It’s one of my favorite pizza spots, but I don’t get there often enough. We agreed on a couple veggie pizzas, which were as delicious as always.

It was fun reconnecting with friends and sharing lots of laughs. I am also glad I took some extra time to meander downtown.

— John Wroblewski, online writer