Many small painted tiles, one big community effort

BMO Harris Bank today announced the completed BMO Harris Bank Community Art Project that will reside in its new home in Pioneer Court from Dec. 6-31.

The project that was launched with Mural Mosaic as a part of this year's BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival was commissioned as a way to celebrate the Chicago community. In the continuing spirit of bringing our communities together, BMO Harris will donate $1 to the Greater Chicago Food Depository for every mural photo shared through Twitter and Instagram with #BMOMural.

“The response and community participation in this project has been nothing short of outstanding and we now have a terrific opportunity to raise funds to help feed those in need while spreading the word of a local art jewel,” said Justine Fedak, senior vice president, marketing, BMO Harris Bank. “Our sincere thanks go out to everyone who participated in this unique opportunity, and we hope many more see this extraordinary mural that now goes on display.”

The community mural is comprised of 2,500 unique and colorful tiles painted by Lights Festival attendees, community organizations, local businesses and Chicago residents.

Community partners involved in this project include: BMO Harris Bank employees, the Chicago Bulls, the Chicago Blackhawks, the Chicago White Sox, Richard Henry Lee School, ESPN Radio, the Rockford IceHogs, Northwestern University Athletics, the Greater North Michigan Avenue Association, the Greater Chicago Food Depository, Chicago Fire Department, the Chicago Police Department Memorial Fund, Noah's Arc Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, Gilda's Club, Boys & Girls Club of Chicago and One Hope United.

Individuals who participated in painting a tile can visit www.bmoharris.com/chicagomural where they can search for tiles they designed and post them to Facebook. The website will also provide more information about the community mural, Mural Mosaic (www.muralmosaic.com), and the artist who created it.