SEEKING PUBLIC WALL | Laura Catherwood & Dr. Gabriela Nunez-Mir Research Grant

August 2024

VSG Contemporary is excited to announce a search for 9 public-facing locations in Chicago to host original 5 ft x 3 ft murals. These murals will be part of a collaborative project with Dr. Gabriela C. Nunez-Mir, Ph.D., from The University of Illinois at Chicago.

There is no cost to the building owner. 

Earlier this year, Dr. Nunez-Mir received a Walder Foundation research grant to study and predict the spread of invasive plant species. Preventing biological invasions—whether by halting the introduction of invasive species or stopping their spread into new ecosystems—is critical for effective management, as eradicating established invasive species is often unfeasible.

As part of this research initiative, Dr. Nunez-Mir has partnered with local muralist Laura Catherwood to create a citywide "scavenger hunt." This interactive project, titled “America’s Next Top Invader,” will feature 9 small murals scattered across Chicago, encouraging the public to discover and engage with each one.

Call for Mural Locations: If you're interested in hosting one of these murals at your location, please review the full details below and contact Allan Weinberger at allan@veryseriousgallery.com.

mural Project Information & fAQ

No, there is no cost. The muralist is being paid via the research grant and we are seeking locations throughout the city.

  • You must own the building or have permission from the building owner.
  • The location must be safely accessible by the public for learning & photographs and located approximately 1-2 feet off the ground
  • A commitment to keep the mural in place for 3 years.
  • Be located within Chicago proper-- we are picking locations throughout various different neighborhoods.

Not really, although all 9 murals will look very similar and made by Laura Catherwood, an exceptionally experienced muralist. Dr. Nunez-Mir has selected 9 invasive plants, which Laura Catherwood will create & paint

We encourage all building owners to review Laura Catherwood's completed murals (Click Link Here)

This will give you a stronger understanding for her completed works, as the image above is simply a sketch.

ALL MURALS TO INCLUDE:

  • 3ft wide x 3 ft plant mural
  • 3.5 wide x 5 ft total mural
  • Project Title & Plant Name
  • Learn More QR Code
  • All within a "Polaroid" style template

The mural will be approximately 5ft tall and 3.5 ft wide and will most likely be 1.5 feet off the ground.

The building owner is not responsible for maintaining the mural and we will assess the mural on a case-by-case situation with the event of damage. If something happens, just let us know.

Our only request is that you do not purposely cover it for 3 years.

If you sell the building, then the next owner is under no obligation to keep the mural, although we'd surely hope they do!

Mural locations are being sourced in the Summer/Fall of 2024.

3 mural locations will be completed between September-November 2024 with the remaining being completed within Spring of 2025.

Each mural will take approximately 1 day to complete.

The owner of VSG Contemporary is available to answer any questions.

Email him at allan@veryseriousgallery.com and he will set up time to chat with you.

Send a photo of your location to allan@veryseriousgallery.com with the exact address.

Allan will reach out to set up time.

Please note: There are numerous reasons why a location might not be selected. We will consider & review all inquiries and get back to you ASAP.