New Live-In Talent to Foster Art of Urban Living in River North

CHICAGO (December 14, 2017) –  The Gallery on Wells – River North’s unique art gallery-inspired residential building – continues to encourage the artistic spirit of its residential community by welcoming Luis Ramirez as its inaugural Artist-In-Residence. Granted the title “Gallery Graffitist” based on his background as a talented pop-art muralist and graffiti artist, Ramirez will join Magellan Development Group’s elite assembly of Artists-In-Residence, beginning in January 2018.

In exchange for one year of rent-free living in a modern unit at The Gallery on Wells, Ramirez will contribute art in various forms throughout the building, offer private fine art, graffiti or mural lessons to his fellow residents, and host a variety of art events where residents and locals can hone their skills.

“As ‘Gallery Graffitist,’ I will try to capture the energy and experience of the surrounding gallery neighborhood and bring it to The Gallery on Wells,” says Ramirez. “The residence has a contemporary, urban feel, and I look forward to my works of art contributing perfectly to the vibe of the building.”

Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, Ramirez moved to Chicago at 13 years of age and took an immediate interest in graffiti. He was drawn to the raw, free and sometimes ambiguous art form that rejects confinement. While a student at the Illinois Institute of Art years later, he expanded his artistic prowess, dabbling in portraiture and abstract expressionism – lessons that he has combined with his love of urban graffiti to create a style that is entirely his own.

As a commercial muralist, he has created large-scale murals and graffiti art around Chicago, including murals at the headquarters of Motorola and a portrait of musician Halsey for Pandora Music. Soon, he will begin work on a five-story mural portrait of Pablo Picasso in the Bridgeport neighborhood. Ramirez has participated in art events and festivals in Mongolia, Miami, Tahiti, New York and Chicago.

“It is an honor to support Ramirez as he continues to pursue his professional dreams and welcome him as The Gallery on Wells’ first live-in artist,” says Robin Loewenberg Tebbe, Chief Marketing Officer of Magellan Development Group. “Magellan has remained deeply committed to promoting local talent in the Chicago arts community through our Artist-In-Residence program, and Ramirez is the perfect addition.”

Magellan Development Group’s troupe of Artists-In-Residence already consists of Jeremy Gentry, the “Exhibit A-Lister” at Exhibit on Superior in Chicago; Jay Filson, “SoBro Star” at The SoBro in Nashville; and Phillip-Michael Scales “Lakeshore East Legend” in the Lakeshore East community. Ramirez will become the fourth artist to enjoy one year of rent-free living at a Magellan property and will collaborate with his fellow Artists-In-Residence on a variety of events throughout the year.

“We are thrilled to expand our Artist-In-Residence program to The Gallery on Wells in a continuation of our efforts to support the Chicago arts community,” says David Carlins, President of Magellan Development Group. “Since the launch of the program, our residents have responded with extreme enthusiasm towards such a unique amenity – a live-in artist or musician. We look forward to seeing how Luis will contribute to the creative community of residents.”

The Gallery’s luxury apartments range in size from 452 sq. ft. to 1,572 sq. ft. with rents starting at $1,783. For more information on The Gallery on Wells or to inquire about the property, contact Leasing Director Steve Sink at: (312) 625.2000 or visit: www.rentatthegallery.com.