Damon Reed is one of the artists participating in the Mural Art Contest going on from now until August.
If you’ve driven through the Depot District recently, you might have caught a glimpse of artists on lifts. Damon Reed is one of those artists and he’s working on the Pete’s Corner Cafe building across from Little Sheba’s.
I call him a “serial muralist” because the man’s work is prolific! He’s almost done with his mural and about ready to move on to other towns that have need for his special talent.
Here’s a bit about Damon from his bio on FestivalofMurals.com:
Since graduating from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Damon Lamar Reed has been a freelance artist making a career out of mural painting, illustration, graphic design, teaching and the sale of original art. Many of his, over 50 murals, can be seen throughout Chicago.

Though the competition has barely begun, Damon will have his contribution wrapped up soon and then its on to the next town. His wife and baby girl support him (his wife also helps with painting) as he toils under the hot summer sun.
It’s truly amazing what these artists can do with a blank wall, and on such a large scale. Not to mention how fast a blank wall can turn into a detailed work of art.

To find out where all the artists in the mural contest are working (and to stop by and say hi) click here for more bios, sample work, and building locations.

nice work sir!
I’ve been watching this great mural emerge day by day. I love it!
Wow Jack did you whip this story together??? Great work and pics too!!
Yeah very important to always have a camera with you in this business. Can knock out a story in no time and, surprisingly, there’s a heck of a lot going on around here!
Christi what’s up!