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Mariano’s murals celebrate community identity

Historic images of Black residents in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood adorn grocery exterior

Michael Browne, Executive Editor

April 22, 2021

2 Min Read
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The 32-piece display features historic images of Bronzeville residents taken by photographer Russell Lee in 1941.Chris Devins

For neighbors and visitors to the South Side of Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood, a dramatic and significant art installation of photo murals at the Mariano’s grocery store is an attention getter.

Bronzeville is a historic and iconic Black neighborhood that has struggled through hard times. For communities like this, artist Chris Devins said, “Public art should be more than an interesting image.” The Chicago-based photo-muralist with a background in urban planning and a passion for showcasing black identity notes that the aim of his works is to not only uplift the people he celebrates, but help renew their declining neighborhoods. 

The murals he created  for the Mariano’s grocery store in Bronzeville were commissioned in 2016 by the retailer’s founder and then-CEO Bob Mariano. The 32-piece display features historic images of Bronzeville residents taken by photographer Russell Lee in 1941, as well as locally born Black celebrities.

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The murals Chris Devins created for the Mariano’s grocery store in Bronzeville were commissioned in 2016 by the retailer’s founder and then-CEO Bob Mariano.

Located in what was once a food desert, the South Side Mariano’s store not only provides residents with fresh, nutritious food, but has created 400 jobs and sparked additional redevelopment. Devins’ art — which adorns the store’s exterior wall and fence — forges a cultural link between the store and the neighborhood it serves, a process he calls “creative placemaking.”

Related:Chicago retailer Mariano’s launches virtual events for customers

“I’m not as interested in self-expression as I am in the intersection of local faces and places,” says Devins, who holds a masters in urban planning and policy. “My goal is to capture a neighborhood’s collective identity. When you do that successfully, people are drawn to it—and that in turn draws economic development.”

“Mariano’s is happy to serve the Bronzeville community and showcase the work of artist Chris Devins,” said Amanda Puck, director of strategic brand development. “ His photo murals outside the store celebrate the rich cultural history of the neighborhood. The artwork helps to builds a community gathering place showcasing the character and history of the site.”

A Chicago favorite, Mariano’s operates 44 food and grocery stores in the city and outlying area, and is renowned for its foodservice and fresh offerings.

About the Author

Michael Browne

Executive Editor, Supermarket News

Michael Browne joined Supermarket News in 2018 after serving in managing and executive editor capacities at leading B2B media brands including Convenience Store NewsLicense Global and Travel Agent. He also previously served as content production manager for print and digital in the Business Intelligence division of Informa, parent company of Supermarket News and Nation’s Restaurant News.

As executive editor, Mike oversees the editorial content of supermarketnews.com as well as the monthly print publication. He also directs all content-based brand-related projects including the annual Top 75 Retailers report, Category Guide, Retailer of the Year, research surveys and special reports, as well as podcast and webinar content. Mike has also presented and moderated at industry events.

In addition to the positions mentioned above, Mike has also worked as a writer and/or editor for special projects at American Legal Media (ALM), managing editor for Tobacco International, special projects editor at American Banker • Bond Buyer, and as production editor for Bank Technology News and other related financial magazines and journals published by Faulkner & Gray.

A graduate of Fordham University, Mike is based in New York City, where he was born and raised.

Contact Mike at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter and LinkedIn.

 

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