...a real eye-catcher spotted on one of our many downtown walks with Chip and Corey in Chicago in late September. ...I had some difficulty finding the background of this mural but when I did, I really liked what the artist had to say, "Taking a big public work outside takes space from advertising ultimately, and we're able to have messages and pictures that aren't trying to sell us something. Putting something out in public space that's art is a way for us to own our own space." "Loop Tattoo", 135' x 45' (41.1m x 13.7m), was completed in January 2006 on the side of 63 East Lake street between Michigan and Wabash in Chicago's downtown loop. The mural was designed by Johanna Poethig and painted with a team of Chicago community muralists/artists in a studio space on the corner of Wabash and Monroe. The public passing by could watch the mural unfold in 270 5'x5' sections through the large glass windows that spanned the corner studio. The mural is now emblazoned on the 24 story building celebrating this vibrant downtown Chicago neighborhood and business district. Bill P.S. Johanna Poehig teaches art at the Visual and Public Art Institute at California State University, Monterey Bay. "So Trees It Is ~ for Andrea (durleybeachbum)"