Thirteen young local artists under the direction of River Forest resident Molly Burns brightened the walls along Central Avenue across from Keystone Park with six colorful new murals this summer.
The murals join other artwork along that stretch, including eight murals created by Burns in 2018 when she ran a similar camp.
An art teacher at Garfield School and Roosevelt School in Maywood, she and her young artists created the artwork as part of a two-week-long mural camp. She also is a mother of five and a River Forest District 90 parent. An art teacher since 2004, her previous teaching stops include schools in Oak Park and Chicago.
“This public art project reflects the creativity and collaboration of our young residents,” Village President Cathy Adduci said in the village’s e-newslettter. “Thank you to all the artists who helped to create this beautiful addition to our community.”
Jack Bielak, director of public works and engineering, said Burns reached out to village staff members in January to suggest the project, which showcases three “historic” homes and three village buildings — the library, village hall and the pumping station, which he said he suggested due to its significance as a historical building. The homes are in the 500 Block of Franklin Avenue, 900 block of Bonnie Brae Place and the 700 block of Keystone Avenue.
“She sent over concepts of what they wanted to do and it looked good,” he said. “Then we cleared some of the brush and provided barricades for the duration of the camp so they could paint.”
Burns said she has painted murals in the past, including the camp in 2018 and at a mural camp at Lincoln School in River Forest in 2023. Five of this year’s artists also participated in the mural camp at Lincoln.
“I know how to do this,” Burns said. “It’s a lot of fun and I love doing it.”
The camp was offered in two weeklong sessions from 9 a.m. to noon each week. Participants ranged in age from a rising second grader to four high schoolers. Campers are Mary Burns, Dierdre Burns, Grace Donahue, Evie Rowe, Adira Block, Briella Block, Claire North, Violet North, Maeve Behan, Molly Haley, Yeojun Kim, Nicholas Wrobel and Gabe Wrobel.
Burns said the project was more challenging due to the heat and humidity.
She said she set up a tent to provide a shaded area for the young artists who needed a break. She also allowed them to sit in her car with the motor running and the air conditioner on. In addition, they could spend some time in the nearby park or busy themselves with crafts she had on hand to keep them occupied when taking a break.
Burns said studying under longtime Oak Park art teacher Kay Sorenson led to her career. Sorenson taught art in Oak Park’s District 97 and served as art curriculum coordinator for the district.
“I grew up in Oak Park and she was my teacher,” she said. “I was inspired to follow her.”
Burns said she wanted to celebrate River Forest by selecting the historic homes, noting “there are so many great homes” in the village.
She said they used outdoor latex paint, starting with a coat of fresh white. Burns said she purchased some of the paint with the remainder being “recycled,” that is, opened cans donated by family, friends and neighbors from their basements and garages.
“People were stopping all the time, checking our progress,” she said. She also said some parents helped out as well.
Burns said she’ll “probably” run another mural camp next summer.
“I love doing it so much,” she said. “It’s a lot of fun and I have passion to do it.”