Behind the bluebird: Inside Shawn Bullen’s newest Evanston mural
Muralist Shawn Bullen is returning to Evanston this August to unveil his latest piece on Elmwood Avenue. Located at 1570 Elmwood, the new mural sits directly beside his 2017 project. It serves as a visual companion to his original work, transforming a once-blank concrete wall into a window that reveals a continuous shoreline stretching from Chicago through Evanston.
At the center of the design is a bluebird perched above Lake Michigan. This symbol carries personal weight for Bullen, serving as a tribute to his best friend, Chris, who died in a boating accident in 2010. The bluebird appeared on the boat during the tragedy, and it has since become a recurring motif in Bullen’s portfolio as he dedicates his art to his friends.
Local resident Bob Easter initiated the project after walking past the plain concrete wall daily. He connected with the Evanston Mural Arts Program to coordinate the expansion. Through community fundraising efforts, residents and local businesses raised 35,000 dollars to secure the installation. Lea Pinsky, co-founder of the program, notes that Bullen was the clear choice to continue the work due to his history with the city and his precise technical style.
Bullen grew up in Hyde Park and began his career by converting graffiti interests into professional mural commissions. Over his career, he has completed projects across North America, including in San Francisco and Mexico City. He maintains a habit of working directly with the public while painting, often engaging in conversations with passersby. For Bullen, these interactions are the primary goal of his work. He recalls one encounter where a woman told him the mural improved her outlook during a difficult day, confirming his motivation for the project.
The official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new mural is scheduled for August 13. The project stands as a point of local collaboration, turning a neighborhood eyesore into a landmark that honors both personal history and the landscape of the Illinois shoreline.