News Article

World's Greatest Painting

The Greatest Painting in the History of the World
It began with a group of men who live in the McAuley Skilled Nursing Residence, aptly named The McAuley Men’s Group. Starting in October, the group formulated a new project to paint a 30x40 canvas with hopes it could be exhibited at the 2012 Artist in All.

This endeavor, carried out over the course of six months, included forty residents from the McAuley residence, each adding strokes and color with absolutely no intention of following a set paradigm. Residents added to the canvas in any way that they pleased.

The Men’s Group not only worked on their painting in the familiar McAuley settings, but in all sorts of settings throughout Chicago such as; The Gold Coast, Millennium Park, Grant Park, Wrigley Field, The Lakefront, The Chicago River Walk, and even Daley Center Plaza. Painting in and around town was often tough with a canvas that was prone to sailing due to Chicago’s familiar winds, but the residents had fun integrating their community experiences with their art.

When work was carried out on the Misericordia campus, music was a big part of fostering a creative environment. Led by Kevin Hricik and Ryan Flood, many residents contributed to the painting with hand over hand assistance and some added paint independently. However, it was a collective movement on behalf of many people at Misericordia that allowed Men’s Group to carry out such a unique and determined adventure.

Pictured:
1.  At the Gold Coast, Tony C and Jose A with staff Kevin Hricik and Ryan Flood.

2.  Sibling Jim Viverito works with his brother Jeff on the lakefront on a beautiful day!

3.  Jack K adds his touch to the painting with the help of staff Chris Centeno and parent Marvin Bloom as Ben B. awaits his turn. 

4.  Ben B and Kevin M at "The Bean," with staff members Ryan Flood and Kevin Hricik.