Artist uses pointillism and interactive art to answer a question

A soon-to-be-unveiled mural is a city block long and 8 feet high. Up close, it’s covered in 80,000 colorful stickers. But when viewers move back and their eyes blink into focus, the words “What is Wheaton” emerge.

Millions of people have had just such an experience at The Art Institute of Chicago as they viewed “Sunday Afternoon on the Island Grande Jette,” by artist Georges Seurat (1859-1891). With Seurat’s characteristic technique, pointillism, viewers standing close to the painting see nothing but random pastel dots. From yards away, however, it is truly a beautiful Sunday afternoon.

The unveiling of the huge Wheaton mural is set for 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, across from the Wheaton Public Library at the corner of Wesley and Cross streets, and it will remain there until Sunday, Sept. 14. Residents of Wheaton, other suburbs and all Chicago art lovers are invited.

The artist Jeffery James uses pointillism, but instead of dots, he uses brightly colored stickers. Each has a descriptive word — brunette, silly, ambitious, happy — some 350 altogether. People are asked to remove the sticker that describes them best. As more and more stickers are removed, the mural will be deconstructed, making the entire project an experience in interactive art.

The display coincides with the 150th anniversary celebration of the founding of Wheaton.

“I discovered what it means to be a part of a community a couple of years ago,” James said. “I hope this interactive mural helps viewers discover how to become a part of their community, as we celebrate the rich heritage and spirit that exists in Wheaton.”

A companion Web site, www.whatiswheaton.com, features a fun personality search, Find Yourself in Wheaton, where visitors log their personality characteristics and find businesses, nonprofits and fun Wheaton facts that relate to their personality. It also includes information on pointillism, more art and a fun project for kids.

James was commissioned for the project by the Wheaton Fine and Cultural Arts Commission. Created in 2005, the commission fosters cultural and fine arts in the community. Its goal is to increase access to the arts by providing leadership, advocacy and support for art that enhances the cultural vitality of the community.

Mural sponsors are The Community Bank of Wheaton/Glen Ellyn and First Trust Portfolios. Many Wheaton retailers are participating by encouraging visitors to bring in their stickers into their establishments.

For more information, visit www.whatiswheaton.com.

Interesting facts

• This is the first mural of its kind displayed in DuPage County, the state of Illinois and in the United States.

• The mural measures 8-by-140 feet and features 1,000 square feet of decals.

• The mural will look different each day as the public removes the decals that represent their personality.

What event served as Jeff James’ muse?

In his own words: “I walked into Wheaton Shoe Repair on Front Street for the first time to purchase a shoelace. Mr. Georganas greeted me kindly with his heavy accent. At the register I realized I had no cash, and he didn’t want to take a credit card.

“Instead of giving me a hard time, he told me to take the shoelace and pay later. I was truly touched by this “Mayberry” act of kindness. When I went back at the end of the day to pay him, he gave me a hard time for coming back so soon.

“It was that experience and many similar Wheaton experiences that showed me that there was a community that existed right under my nose.

“Living in Wheaton is not enough. You need to engage. For me, things changed when I joined the Wheaton Chamber and started to meet the people who make the city run. I volunteered to help with local organizations. I began to shop in downtown Wheaton, first out of convenience because of the location of my office. Now I go out of my way to shop there, because I know the store owners and the shopkeepers.

“I definitely enjoy belonging to Wheaton.”

About the artist

James is the owner and creative director for Spire2 Communications, a marketing firm that helps businesses and organizations maximize that marketing investment. He has 18 years’ experience creating strategic design communications for a wide variety of clients, including Fortune 500 companies and growing businesses in the greater Chicago area.

James started Spire2 more than five years ago and previously partnered in a larger agency. He earned his degree in graphic design from the Ringling School of Art and Design in Sarasota, Fla., and also studied at Wheaton College. James is happily married to the love of his life and the couple have four children who all like stickers.

“This display could not have come to fruition without the help of so many people,” James said. “The city of Wheaton’s Fine & Cultural Arts Commission has been instrumental in encouraging and supporting me in the process. I have been blessed with two interns, Andrea Nordstrom, who will be a senior at Wheaton College, and Emily Brown, who will be a sophomore at Drake. Liz Corry on the City Council encouraged me to pursue the project, and Michael Dzugan, assistant city manager, was very helpful in helping secure permission for the location.

“Also I wish to say a special thank you to Community Bank. Their early support got the project off the ground. I think it is the only bank that hasn’t changed its name. Even my 10-year-old daughter noticed their extraordinary community spirit while tagging along on a recent visit.

“Dad, I have never been in a bank where people are so friendly,” she said. “Even people on the phone waved at you!”