By: Ashmar Mandou

Good News Only and the Chicago Urban Art Society have given Chicagoans a platform to share their hopes and dreams in a public space. In series of projects entitled, “Before I Die,” residents from Edgewater to Pilsen are asked to fill out what they would hope to accomplish in their lifetime.

The mural project has generated tremendous interest in the last weeks, with residents revealing their hope to “learn how to speak German,” to “travel to India,” to “fall in love,” that talks of a permanent exhibition are in the works. As of now, there are six Chicago walls covered in chalkboard paint all across the city from the Edgewater neighborhood, to Wicker Park, Chinatown, and Pilsen.

The purpose of the mural project is to engage residents to think about positive goals and maintain an open dialogue on what they would like to see changed in their communities. Currently, Good News Only and the Chicago Urban Art Society have plans to unveil another mural in Little Village on April 7. If you would like to be part of the conversation or learn more about the “Before I Die,” mural exhibit, visit www.chicagourbanartsociety.com.