Lower West Side in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Ice Cream Dream
⎯⎯⎯
Sueño de un Carrito de Paletas
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, December 18, 2024
1. Ice Cream Dream / Sueño de un Carrito de Paletas Marker, Plaque One
[Text on the top plaque:]
Lead Assistant: Maria Gaspar • Assistants: Roxana Licona, Antonio Martinez, Krystal Pacheco, Jose F. Rios, Julia Sowles, Ginny Sikes, Anna Zotigh • Co-fabrication of Butterflies: Jerry Lang
2004
At the center of this mosaic is a large heart with several buildings featuring the neighborhood's unique architectural characteristics and facades. Surrounding the heart are the Sears Tower and John Hancock Building to signify the neighborhood's place in the city. Monarch butterflies are the predominant theme throughout the mural; like many people who pass through this station daily, monarchs are migrants. Every year the monarch travels thousands of miles from Mexico to the Midwest. The butterflies emerge in the mural as a wave of energy, a reflection of magical realism that has marked Latin American literature.
Project management by Chicago Public Art Group • Terra Cotta made by American Terra Cotta and Ceramic Company • Commissioned by the Chicago Transit Authority and the City of Chicago Public Art Program
[Text on the bottom plaque:]
"Ice-Cream Dream” is my homage to the immigrants who have been arriving in Chicago since its beginning. They built the city and filled it with life, and we continue to do so today. Like many of
this page online
Feliz viaje.
Hector Duarte
"Sueño de un Carrito de Paletas” es un homenaje a todos los inmigrantes que han construido Chicago. Ellos han llenado la ciudad con vida, y lo siguen haciendo hoy. Como mucha de la gente que pasa por ésta estación diariamente, las mariposas son migrantes. Yo creo que la imagen de la mariposa nos da una hermosa y misteriosa meditación para el viajero, ya sea que esté cruzando el continente o simplemente viajando al centro.
Feliz viaje.
Hector Duarte
Erected 2004.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Hispanic Americans • Immigration • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Art Deco series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 2004.
Location. 41° 51.261′ N, 87° 41.128′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in the Lower West Side. It is on South Western Avenue north of 21st Street. The plaques are next to the artwork, which is just south of the entrance to the Western station for the CTA Pink Line
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, December 18, 2024
2. Ice Cream Dream / Sueño de un Carrito de Paletas Marker, Plaque Two
Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Ray Castro Plaza (approx. 0.7 miles away); Vorwaerts Turner Hall (approx. 0.8 miles away); James Marquette (approx. 0.9 miles away); Claremont Cottages District (approx. 0.9 miles away); a different marker also named Claremont Cottages District (approx. 0.9 miles away); a different marker also named Claremont Cottages District (approx. one mile away); Route 66 Landmark / Punto de Referencia de la Ruta 66 (approx. one mile away); a different marker also named Claremont Cottages District (approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.
Regarding Ice Cream Dream / Sueño de un Carrito de Paletas. Other notable works by Hector Duarte include the Yellow Brick Road mosaic that is located at the site of the Chicago home of L. Frank Baum, in the Humboldt Park neighborhood.
The artwork is beneath art-deco lettering that says "L Rapid Transit" that was added to the station during the 1930s and preserved as part of Duarte's artwork.
Also see . . . Hector Duarte: Muralist. WTTW-TV, Chicago's PBS station, looks at the life and works of artist Hector Duarte.
Excerpt:(Submitted on December 18, 2024, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)"Duarte says his bold and colorful murals are intended not only to beautify the neighborhood, but to carry on a strong Mexican muralist tradition that seeks to educate, inspire, and engage with the public. His chosen canvas is deliberately accessible to all – including working-class people and those who might not typically visit galleries."Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, December 18, 20243. "Ice Cream Dream" next to the Western station for the CTA Pink Line
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, December 18, 2024
4. "Ice Cream Dream"
Art deco lettering that says "L Rapid Transit" was added to the station during the 1930s and preserved as part of Duarte's artwork.
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, December 18, 2024
5. Ice Cream Dream / Sueño de un Carrito de Paletas Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 8, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 18, 2024, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 212 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on December 18, 2024, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
