The Elmhurst Art Museum presents the first solo museum exhibition of muralist Rafael Blanco, whose work can be found in cities from California to Maryland breathing new life into high-visibility, urban spaces. Through photographs, video timelapses, documentary footage, and a series of new, original paintings, the exhibition will introduce the viewer to Blanco’s revelatory artistic journey. A highlight of the exhibition is large-scale, site-specific works transforming the museum’s galleries into a landscape filled with color, texture, and the serendipity of discovering public art in the wild. For this exhibition, Blanco resurrects previously rejected public art proposals, allowing the public to see them for the first time. Rafael Blanco: Reflecting on a Decade of Public Art takes place at the Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 South Cottage Hill Avenue, from September 7, 2024 to January 5, 2025. Born in Spain and based in Aurora, Illinois, Blanco’s work is deeply influenced by his immigrant experience and the beauty of embracing a new country while maintaining one’s own identity. The exhibition will feature a map showcasing the locations of Blanco’s works across the US. Near the museum, Blanco’s 32’ x 190’ -foot mural declaring “Be Bold” is on the wall of Elmhurst University’s R.A. Fagnel Hall, facing north on Park Avenue west of Prospect Avenue. The first mural in the city of Elmhurst, Be Bold serves as both inspiration and call to action. With gratitude to exhibition Presenting Sponsor: Wintrust Bank, with support from Tom Watson and Mary Cunningham Family Charitable Fund, Illinois Arts Council, Discover DuPage, and Enjoy Illinois.

Photo Credit: Elmhurst Museum