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Celebrating the Artistry of Miguel A. Del Real: The Vision Behind Albany Park’s New Mural at Tapestry 360 Health
In the heart of Chicago’s Albany Park neighborhood, a vibrant new mural now graces the exterior of Tapestry 360 Health’s Albany Park clinic. Painted by the talented Miguel A. Del Real, a Chicago-born artist from the culturally rich neighborhood of Pilsen, this mural is more than just a visual masterpiece—it’s a symbol of healing, inclusion, and the transformative power of public art in health spaces. 
A Lifelong Journey in Art
Miguel has been creating art professionally for over 20 years. His journey began with graffiti and calligraphy, which inspired his unique style—marked by intricate patterns, sharp lines, and elegant curves. These early influences helped him develop an eye for large-scale canvases, ultimately leading him to mural-making.
The Albany Park Mural: A Blend of Nature, Culture, and Healing
Commissioned by the North River Commission Albany Park Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with Tapestry 360 Health, Miguel’s mural was envisioned as a calming and inclusive visual experience for patients and community members alike. Drawing from the area’s green spaces and diverse population, Miguel incorporated natural elements like butterflies, blue herons, and cardinals alongside cultural patterns that reflect Albany Park’s rich diversity.
“This mural is meant to be calming and inclusive,” Miguel shares. “It reflects the diversity of Albany Park through intricate patterns resembling tapestries from various cultures.”
These patterns also align with Tapestry 360 Health’s mission: to provide holistic, patient-centered care that recognizes the full spectrum of individual experiences.
The Creative Process
Creating the mural was no small feat. Miguel started by hand-drawing the design directly on the wall—adding a deeply personal touch to every line. With help from his friend Michael, he spent three to four weeks completing the mural. The vibrant colors were chosen in part to reflect Tapestry 360 Health’s brand palette, reinforcing a consistent and welcoming identity across the organization’s clinics.
Healing Through Art
Tapestry 360 Health believes that healing goes beyond medicine—it involves the environment, community connection, and mental wellness. Miguel’s mural speaks directly to this philosophy.
As a teaching artist, Miguel has seen firsthand how art can support emotional well-being. “Art therapy allows individuals to externalize their thoughts and emotions, creating a space for healing,” he says. This connection between creativity and health is especially relevant in community health settings, where patients often face trauma, stress, and mental health challenges.
Public art can ease anxiety, offer moments of reflection, and build bridges between clinical care and cultural expression. For Tapestry 360 Health, this mural is part of a broader vision to make every clinic feel not only functional—but also human.
The Power of Place
Miguel sees public art as a force for transformation. “We’re visual beings,” he says. “Public art can subconsciously influence emotions and create a sense of calm and belonging.”
At the Albany Park clinic, the mural adds beauty and serenity to the patient experience—whether someone is arriving for a check-up or simply walking by. It offers a daily reminder of resilience, diversity, and hope.
A Shared Vision for Wellness
Miguel A. Del Real’s mural at Albany Park is more than just public art—it’s a reflection of Tapestry 360 Health’s commitment to holistic healing, culturally responsive care, and neighborhood pride. Together, art and healthcare create a powerful foundation for community wellness.
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In the heart of Chicago’s Albany Park neighborhood, a vibrant new mural now graces the exterior of Tapestry 360 Health’s Albany Park clinic. Painted by the talented Miguel A. Del Real, a Chicago-born artist from the culturally rich neighborhood of Pilsen, this mural is more than just a visual masterpiece—it’s a symbol of healing, inclusion, and the transformative power of public art in health spaces.
A Lifelong Journey in Art
Miguel has been creating art professionally for over 20 years. His journey began with graffiti and calligraphy, which inspired his unique style—marked by intricate patterns, sharp lines, and elegant curves. These early influences helped him develop an eye for large-scale canvases, ultimately leading him to mural-making.
The Albany Park Mural: A Blend of Nature, Culture, and Healing
Commissioned by the North River Commission Albany Park Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with Tapestry 360 Health, Miguel’s mural was envisioned as a calming and inclusive visual experience for patients and community members alike. Drawing from the area’s green spaces and diverse population, Miguel incorporated natural elements like butterflies, blue herons, and cardinals alongside cultural patterns that reflect Albany Park’s rich diversity.
“This mural is meant to be calming and inclusive,” Miguel shares. “It reflects the diversity of Albany Park through intricate patterns resembling tapestries from various cultures.”
These patterns also align with Tapestry 360 Health’s mission: to provide holistic, patient-centered care that recognizes the full spectrum of individual experiences.
The Creative Process
Creating the mural was no small feat. Miguel started by hand-drawing the design directly on the wall—adding a deeply personal touch to every line. With help from his friend Michael, he spent three to four weeks completing the mural. The vibrant colors were chosen in part to reflect Tapestry 360 Health’s brand palette, reinforcing a consistent and welcoming identity across the organization’s clinics.
Healing Through Art
Tapestry 360 Health believes that healing goes beyond medicine—it involves the environment, community connection, and mental wellness. Miguel’s mural speaks directly to this philosophy.
As a teaching artist, Miguel has seen firsthand how art can support emotional well-being. “Art therapy allows individuals to externalize their thoughts and emotions, creating a space for healing,” he says. This connection between creativity and health is especially relevant in community health settings, where patients often face trauma, stress, and mental health challenges.
Public art can ease anxiety, offer moments of reflection, and build bridges between clinical care and cultural expression. For Tapestry 360 Health, this mural is part of a broader vision to make every clinic feel not only functional—but also human.
The Power of Place
Miguel sees public art as a force for transformation. “We’re visual beings,” he says. “Public art can subconsciously influence emotions and create a sense of calm and belonging.”
At the Albany Park clinic, the mural adds beauty and serenity to the patient experience—whether someone is arriving for a check-up or simply walking by. It offers a daily reminder of resilience, diversity, and hope.
A Shared Vision for Wellness
Miguel A. Del Real’s mural at Albany Park is more than just public art—it’s a reflection of Tapestry 360 Health’s commitment to holistic healing, culturally responsive care, and neighborhood pride. Together, art and healthcare create a powerful foundation for community wellness.
