A sign of the times

The Art Institute of Chicago’s iconic lions who have been known to don wreaths during the holiday season and Chicago Bears helmets during the kick off to the pro football season are getting a new look.

Following local protocol,”Chicago Together! Make a Mask, Give a Mask, Wear a Mask,” the lions have followed suit.

Early this morning workers were spotted installing the masks.

Photo: Chicago Tribune

Part two of the public art initiative will take place today at 11:00 am at the Picasso on Daley Plaza.

The media are welcome to attend but must be dressed appropriately with masks and practice social distancing.

It is requested that the public save gas and lives by staying home. There will be coverage both online and TV news.

The initiative, a partnership of local designers and the city, uses creative vision to promote public health in a uniquely Chicago way:

• While we all stay home, designers at Dimension Design reimagined what they might see if local landmarks followed the recommendation to wear face coverings in public. Mayor Lightfoot recognized that putting masks on landmarks would be an opportunity to remind Chicagoans that we are all in this together—and that we should all be taking necessary steps to protect each other as we navigate this difficult time.

• The materials used in the creation of these masks had no impact on supplies that could be used as PPE for those fighting on the front lines of the pandemic. The masks were installed by Chicago Flyhouse.

• “Chicago is made up of dreamers, thinkers and doers. I’m proud to support everyone who finds fun and creative ways to drive awareness among Chicagoans for these important public health initiatives,” Mayor Lightfoot said.

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