In September 2022, NBC Chicago featured the artists and neighborhood businesses using public art to celebrate Ukrainian culture and inspire hope during the war in Ukraine.
Among the murals highlighted was Flower Power, the colorful, one-story artwork created by Chicago muralist Sean Archer outside Ukrainian Village Veterinary Center at the corner of Chicago and Wolcott avenues.
When Dr. Danylo Butenko first opened the veterinary practice, he imagined transforming the building’s plain exterior with a cheerful mural featuring children and pets. After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the idea evolved into something more meaningful—a public celebration of Ukrainian culture, resilience, and hope.
The finished mural depicts a young Ukrainian woman dressed in shades of Chicago blue and wearing a crown of red poppies inspired by the stars on Chicago’s flag. From her outstretched hand emerges a flower-filled portal surrounded by traditional folk patterns. Sunflowers, poppies, marigolds, and viburnum berries were included because of their cultural significance in Ukraine.
Archer spent approximately two weeks painting the mural, often working eight hours a day. During that time, neighborhood residents and families stopped to watch its progress and discuss the new details appearing on the wall.
For Dr. Butenko, the completed mural accomplished exactly what he hoped it would: bring color to the neighborhood, celebrate the community, and offer an uplifting message during a difficult time.
The NBC Chicago report also featured another Ukrainian-themed mural created by artists SechoR and Conrad Edmonds near Oakley and Chicago avenues. Together, these large public artworks reflect the pride, creativity, strength, and resilience of Chicago’s Ukrainian community.