Artist chosen for new mural in downtown Des Plaines

An artist whose work is on display throughout the Chicago area has been selected to paint Des Plaines’ latest public mural.

Melina Scotte will add flowers and other foliage to the west side of the Welkin Apartments building, 1425 Ellinwood St. The Welkin is among the largest buildings in the downtown area.

The mural will adorn a ground-level wall between the entrance to a public parking garage and a private garage for building residents. The wall is painted black now.

Scotte, a Chicagoan who was born and raised in Argentina, was commissioned by the Des Plaines Arts Council and the company behind Welkin Apartments to create the piece, following a public call for proposals.

The painting should be completed by the end of September, said Will Soderberg, president of the arts council.

The mural will be the fourth commissioned by the council, which promotes public involvement with and appreciation of the arts. It previously sponsored pieces at the Des Plaines History Center, 781 Pearson St.; American Wildburger, 1534 E. Oakton St.; and the GENCenter, 52 E. Northwest Hwy.

Scotte’s proposal was among 20 received by the arts council.

“The review process was challenging due to the number of quality responses that were received,” Soderberg said.

Scotte's submission demonstrated an excellent use of the designated space, Soderberg said.

The council will pay $5,000 for the mural.

Scotte, who couldn’t be reached for comment, has painted murals in Elgin, Elmhurst, Oak Park and throughout Chicago. Her pieces typically use a bright color palette and often feature flowers and female figures.

Examples of Scotte’s murals and other pieces can be viewed at melinascotte.com/murals.

Public art is having something of a resurgence in the Chicago area.

Murals can be found in Aurora, Rolling Meadows, Arlington Heights and other suburbs, as well as in Chicago. Additionally, themed sculptures painted by local residents and groups have brought some color and mirth to towns including Mundelein, Naperville and Prospect Heights.

rlissau@dailyherald.com