Meet Chicago Poster Artist Steve Shanabruch At This Block Club Event

Chicago Poster Artist Steve Shanabruch to Discuss His Work at Block Club Event

Chicago is known for its rich artistic heritage, and one local artist who has been capturing the essence of the city through his work is Steve Shanabruch. A celebrated illustrator, Shanabruch has been documenting Chicago's neighborhoods through a series of vintage-style posters since 2012. His Chicago Neighborhoods series features unique posters for different parts of the city, each highlighting a landmark that represents a neighborhood. From a hot-dog stand in Norwood Park to the Yale Building in Englewood, Frank Lloyd Wright's Foster House in West Pullman, and the Mars candy factory in Galewood, Shanabruch's posters offer a glimpse into the character and history of each area.

On April 18, Shanabruch will be sharing the story behind his work at a Block Club event held at the Harold Washington Library Center in downtown Chicago. The program, which will take place from 1 to 2 p.m., will provide attendees with an opportunity to learn about the process and inspiration behind his neighborhood posters and vintage fonts. The event will be moderated by Block Club Arts & Culture Editor Gwen Ihnat, and it promises to be an engaging discussion about the art of storytelling through visual design.

Shanabruch's posters are inspired by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) posters from the 1930s, which promoted national parks. These iconic posters, known for their bold designs and clear messaging, have left a lasting impact on American visual culture. Shanabruch's goal with his work is to encourage people to explore the city, particularly neighborhoods they might not have visited before. He believes that many residents feel a strong sense of pride in their community, and his posters aim to celebrate and highlight that pride.

So far, Shanabruch has created nearly 80 posters for the Neighborhood Series, with his first being for Logan Square and the most recent for Wicker Park. In addition to the neighborhood posters, he has also produced a few non-neighborhood pieces that focus on city landmarks such as the Chicago Cultural Center, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Caldwell Lily Pool, which is a personal favorite of his. Other one-off posters depict seasons, farmers markets, and Chicago's Museum Campus.

The Block Club event is a unique opportunity for fans of Shanabruch's work and those interested in the art of poster design to engage with the artist directly. The program is free, but registration is required, and only a few seats are remaining. Attendees will have the chance to ask questions, learn about the creative process, and gain insights into the inspiration behind each piece.

Steve Shanabruch's posters have become an integral part of Chicago's cultural landscape, capturing the spirit and character of the city's neighborhoods. Through his work, he not only documents the city but also fosters a sense of pride and connection among its residents. The April 18 event at the Harold Washington Library Center is a must-attend for anyone who appreciates the art of illustration and wants to delve deeper into the world of vintage fonts and neighborhood storytelling.