“River Pals” is a digitally drawn and designed mural by Chris Silva and the Yollocalli Arts Reach Students.

Silva and the students walked the surrounding area of the Ogilvie Station and they noticed how beautiful the Chicago River looks against the high-rise buildings in downtown, Chicago. They loved the fact nature is still represented amongst the steel, glass, and concrete of the city.

The students researched, the wildlife and vegetation of the Chicago river major contributing source is chicagoriver.org, and incorporated the mammals, birds, reptiles & amphibians, insects, fish plants, flowers, and trees into the mural to showcase the full river ecology. Each student drew various animals and vegetation in their own style. Their art pieces were then sent to Chris Silva, who has combined them, and added his own artistic eye to the overall piece of the mural.

The students were asked to come up with a list of titles for their mural and vote on their favorite title. The winner “River Pals” reflects, not only the connection between the animals and flora and fauna of the Chicago river, but of the bond that was created amongst the students and with Chris working so closely together on this piece.

A portion of his mission statement :

“I am concerned with how people relate to themselves to each other, and to their environment. I’m deeply saddened by cruelty, xenophobia and greed, and I’m motivated to give artistic presence to those concerns, and/or present an inspirational and generous alternative. I seek to make work which is engaging to children speaks to the inner children of adults and has a healthy dose of unpretentious complexity. I appreciate eye candy, but work to include a serving of soul food in my offerings. Though the source of my creative impulse is often a profound sadness, I strive for a sort of alchemy, which works to transform pain into Beauty. @solidgoldsilva 💛

Third Millennium Group funded this work of art. Yollocalli Arts Reach payment went to the students and a small amount went towards future Yollocalli Youth Council projects.