While Chicago might be synonymous with world-class museums and sensational street art, some years ago artistic masterpieces began appearing in a part of Chicago you’d least expect.
That place was within its many, unsightly, unbearable, and unsparing potholes.
It turned out that one Chicago artist by the name of Jim Bachor had become tired of waiting for the city to see to its pothole problem and began filling Chicago’s potholes with prismatic mosaic works of art using ancient Italian techniques.
Inspired by a voluntary archaeological dig in Pompeii, Bachor began seeing neglected potholes not just as the exasperating abysses that they are for the rest of us, but instead as empty canvases filled with potential.
What started as a fleeting idea in Chicago turned into a wide range of stunning artworks spanning the entire country in places like Illinois, Arizona, Tennessee, Michigan, New York, and Washington, D.C.
More recently, Bachor then blessed Chicago with a series of mosaics he called his “Master pieces” featuring mosaic replications of famous works of art such as Van Gogh’s “The Bedroom”, Grant Wood’s “American Gothic”, and Edward Hopper’s “Nighthawks”.
Bachor’s work by no means went unnoticed over the years and with a loyal fanbase, he opened an online store selling merchandise featuring his artwork before then gaining even more notoriety after appearing on the Kelly Clarkson show early last year.
Now Bachor has accomplished another milestone in his mosaic journey and just this weekend opened his own gallery which will now serve as his workspace, and eventually, as a place where he plans to host mosaic workshops.
“I’m very excited to show this space off to you, yes YOU. It’s located directly across the street from Chicago’s famous Aragon Ballroom in Uptown” reads an announcement that Bachor posted to his socials. “Come see a bunch of originals, prints, posters, tees, pins, jackets, puzzles, and other stuff. All available for you, yes YOU! Thank you #exploreuptownchi for helping make this happen!”
Bachor partnered with the local non-profit Uptown United which “assists local businesses, investors, and community organizations” to help set up shop.
Located at 1111 W. Lawrence Ave., Bachor said that he will be “breaking up marble and glass and working on various pieces” while greeting anybody who stops by.
Though guaranteed opening hours are yet to be confirmed Bachor mentioned on his social media profiles that opening times will likely be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Wednesday to Saturday.
More information can be found at www.bachor.com.