A three-story calendar illuminates the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago throughout Advent. Wilson Abbey, at 935 West Wilson, began transforming 24 of its street-facing windows on December 1 by filling the window frames with artwork created by members of Jesus People Covenant Church and the surrounding community. Wilson Abbey is used by Jesus People for worship services and is also available for event space rentals. Similar to traditional Advent calendars with flaps that open to reveal an image or chocolate treat, Wilson Abbey will reveal a new window each day until Christmas Eve.
“While this is the largest Advent calendar in Chicago, it is also a source of delight and creativity for our neighbors and is a deepening of the Christmas season and perhaps a retelling of the Christmas story in ‘our time,’” says Karl Sullivan, building manager and creative director for the window project. “This show explores the idea of the Christ child coming to earth as a promise of justice and care for those who are seen by God, showcasing people groups who may not be seen, or whom we may not want to see because their problems are bigger than us.”
Now in its eighth year, the Wilson Abbey window project has grown from three to 24 different artists each expressing the hope, peace, joy, and love of Advent through large-scale artwork in the windows of their building. This year’s windows feature all new artwork surrounding the theme “The Soul Felt Its Worth.”
Daily posts on the Wilson Abbey Facebook page highlight the artwork of the day along with a devotional thought from the artists about their work and how the people in their images are seen by God.
Artwork will remain on display through Epiphany, January 6.
