Chicago Youth Centers (CYC) is a truly pivotal non-profit organization that provides opportunities for youth living in under-served communities in the Chicagoland area. Through after school programs, summer camps, and more, kids are empowered to learn and grow in safe environments while staying connected with their community, family, and schools. When the CYC team first approached me with this project for a mural on the Wintrust building, they emphasized a desired theme of “staying connected”. With the pandemic and following a return to in-person learning, we've all had to adapt and find new ways to stay connected to our friends, family, and community. 

The mural places an emphasis on the digital and physical borders that can come between us, but shows how people can still break across those barriers to connect with one another no matter how old or young, or where you're coming from. The character illustrations were inspired by photos of real children and families within the CYC program.