Firecat Projects

opening this friday november 15 at 7pm. jane sloss takes you in a journey through chicago' 'L'stops with her amazing watercolors. hop on board. exhibition will be aailable for viewing through december

coming to firecat projects november 15th. get on board

This is a painting for my series “The Sound of the ‘L’.” The series is a love letter to Chicago’s elevated train system. This painting captures the view down Argyle Street to the Argyle Red Line stop. I made this painting on location, but modified the current view, adding the “Asia on Argyle” signage and a a Chinese pagoda on the platform canopy, which were both removed as part of the renovation to this station. This street and station are sentimental to me because soon after moving to Chicago I lived in an apartment that was nearby and I frequently walked to Argyle and the Argyle “L” station. And, now I am once again a proud Uptown resident and happy to be able to enjoy frequent visits to Argyle. Today I was delighted to do some of my sketching while chatting with my sister in the window of and some of my painting from the patio at while enjoying a banh mi (love the veggie avocado) — a tour of culinary delights!

Jimmy Wong and later Charlie Soo, championed this area, in the 60s and 70s, as an enclave of Chinese, Vietnamese, Lao, Cambodian, and Japanese businesses. As a result, the neighborhood has been nicknamed New Chinatown, Little Saigon, or Little Vietnam. More recently, Hac Tran and Jennifer Pham have founded a community focused nonprofit looking to enhance Uptown’s Asian business and culture, which includes a community space, a business incubator and programs for the public. I love Argyle and hope that it will remain a vital corridor for culture and community for many years to come. ❤️

This series of paintings will capture views of “L” stations that are at the heart of a neighborhood like this one, historic “L” stations and views from “L” stations. The paintings will show in November 2024. Opening Reception on November 15th!