New mural adds to the vibrant and growing collection of the DCASE Neighborhood Mural Initiative

CHICAGO — New York-based artist Tomokazu Matsuyama, in collaboration with the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), the Chicago Public Art Group (CPAG), and the Chicago Public Library’s Edgewater Branch, will unveil a vibrant new public mural titled Our Way Bloom on Monday, June 2, 2025, at 3 p.m. at Chicago Public Library’s Edgewater Branch, 6000 North Broadway, Chicago, IL.

“Matsuyama’s mural is a powerful reflection of Edgewater’s multicultural identity and serves as an authentic celebration of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community’s enduring contributions to the fabric of Chicago,” said Clinée Hedspeth, DCASE Commissioner. “Public art truly tells the story of our city — Matsuyama did an incredible job capturing that beauty.”

The large-scale artwork is part of the DCASE Neighborhood Mural Initiative, a citywide investment in public art that brings together local communities and internationally recognized artists. Tomokazu Matsuyama, an international artist known for his bi-cultural aesthetic and global perspective, was selected in partnership with CPAG to bring a powerful new voice to the Edgewater neighborhood — a diverse community that includes a strong Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) population.

“The artwork inclusively represents people of all ethnicities, genres, and cultures, reflecting the diverse spectrum of the Edgewater community. The people and flowers in the mural symbolize different cultures and backgrounds, and by intertwining, they represent a society where individuals live together harmoniously,” said international artist Tomokazu Matsuyama. “The flowers representing AAPI communities underscores the inclusivity and nurturing environment of the neighborhood,” Matsuyama further adds, “The idea of Edgewater as a garden where various cultures bloom together symbolizes unity and growth. The artwork aims to positively represent the bicultural society, connecting Edgewater’s historical background with its growth and evolution toward the future.”

Chicago Public Library’s Edgewater Branch has long served as a cultural and shared space for residents, and this new mural adds another layer of meaning to the building’s legacy. The mural has already sparked excitement and pride among community members, who see it as a vibrant reflection of Edgewater’s inclusive spirit and shared identity.

“I've shared the news with our library's Friends group, staff and other Edgewater community members. Everyone is excited to have the chance to renew our library's look and make it a destination point for visitors,” said Joanna Hazelden, Branch Manager of the CPL’s Edgewater Branch. “The fact that we have such a talented, well-regarded artist as Matsu working on this project is a testament to the city's continued commitment to its libraries and we look forward to celebrating his work.”

“It has been a privilege to work with acclaimed Japanese American artist Matsuyama on this mural, which is a powerful expression of cultural inclusion,” said CPAG Consultant Executive Director, Chantal Healey. “Despite the large AAPI community throughout Chicago and the north side, the city has very few Asian public artworks and artists represented. Public art can serve as a vehicle to inspire and remind us that beauty can be found in inclusion, diversity and honoring our history.”

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Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in the creative economy, and expands access and participation in the arts throughout Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods. As a collaborative cultural presenter, arts funder, and advocate for creative workers, our programs and events serve Chicagoans and visitors of all ages and backgrounds, downtown and in diverse communities across our city — to strengthen and celebrate Chicago. DCASE produces some of the city’s most iconic festivals, markets, events, and exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, and in communities across the city — serving a local and global audience of 25 million people. The Department offers cultural grants and resources, manages public art, supports TV and film production and other creative industries, and permits special events throughout Chicago. For details, visit Chicago.gov/DCASE and stay connected via our newsletters and social media.

The Chicago Public Art Group
Chicago Public Art Group (CPAG) is an internationally recognized coalition of artists working to create public art that reflects the diverse identities of Chicago communities. The organization has been elevating people by positively impacting the urban landscape for 50 years. Our portfolio includes over 1,000 murals, sculptures, earthworks, playgrounds, and mosaics in neighborhoods as diverse as Bronzeville, North Lawndale, Roseland, Hyde Park, and Pullman. From creating and restoring Chicago’s historical and classical treasures, such as The History of the Packinghouse Worker by William “Bill” Walker, to supporting programs, such as R.E.A.L. Friends Don’t - a program dedicated to teaching youth about safe online practices to reduce human trafficking across the US, CPAG has been continually producing public artwork and pushing the boundaries of artistic medium and social advocacy. At CPAG, our work is rooted in these principles: everyone deserves to experience great art and every community should have a voice. Art-making and public art encourage community investment. In working with the community, we ensure that each piece speaks with the voice of that community.

Chicago Public Library
Since 1873, Chicago Public Library (CPL) has encouraged lifelong learning by welcoming all people and offering equal access to information, entertainment, and knowledge through innovative services, programs, and technology. Through its 81 locations, the Library provides free access to a rich collection of materials, both physical and digital, and presents the highest quality author discussions, exhibits, and programs for children, teens, and adults. For more information, please call (312) 747-4300 or visit chipublib.org. To follow CPL on social media, visit us on X (@chipublib), Facebook (Chicago Public Library), or Instagram (@chicagopubliclibrary).