MILWAUKEE – – Milwaukee Brewers fans have another creative way to celebrate the team’s World Series run, but this one may disappear with the next rainfall.
A remarkably lifelike, 10-by-10-foot chalk portrait of Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio is taking shape on the plaza outside Chase Tower, 111 E. Wisconsin Ave. Commissioned by Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21, the temporary artwork is the creation of Katie Bogan, a Milwaukee-area resident whose professional background is as surprising as her artistic talent.
Bogan is an environmental chemist, not a full-time artist. She’s been participating in chalk art festivals since she was a child in 2010, but her passion for realistic portraits began in 2018 when she recreated National Geographic’s iconic Afghan Girl photograph at a festival in Round Rock, Texas.
After moving to Milwaukee about a year ago, Bogan discovered an enthusiastic audience for her art and a newfound love for baseball.
“I am a diehard Brewers fan now,” Bogan told WTMJ’s Sandy Maxx. “I wasn’t really into baseball before moving here, and now I’m obsessed.”
Why Jackson Chourio?
Bogan let Brewers fans help choose her subject. She asked her Instagram followers to name their favorite player and Chourio was the overwhelming favorite.
Unlike many chalk artists, Bogan doesn’t use a grid to map out her portraits. Instead, she begins with drawing the eyes, gradually building the nose, lips and rest of the face. Getting the proportions right is the greatest challenge. Once that’s accomplished, she says the remaining details fall into place.
Her technique produces such convincing results that passersby recognized Chourio before she had even finished his face.
“We love our team so much that we recognize them just from the eyes and the nose,” Bogan said.
Where to see the Jackson Chourio chalk mural
Bogan will complete the portrait on Sunday afternoon, October 25. Monday, October 26, is expected to offer the best viewing opportunity, with Tuesday potentially providing another chance, depending on the weather and whether the artwork is protected with a tarp overnight.
The portrait is located by the Riverwalk at the Chase Tower plaza at 111 E. Wisconsin Ave. in downtown Milwaukee. It will remain on display during the Brewers’ postseason run as weather permits.
Fans are encouraged to stop by, appreciate the artistry and take a selfie while they can. As Bogan puts it, “As soon as the rain comes, it’s gone.”
A masterpiece made to disappear
There’s something bittersweet about creating a portrait that could wash away in a single rainstorm. But Bogan embraces the temporary nature of chalk art, describing the process as almost meditative and a form of performance art that invites the public to watch and interact.
“I think that there’s a lot of additional joy that comes from it being a temporary piece because you get to really be in the moment and enjoy it as it is,” she explained.
Bogan also hopes her unusual combination of science and art inspires others to pursue their creativity without feeling pressured to turn every passion into a profession.
Her advice? Make time for what you love and remember to keep “creating more than you consume.”
And her World Series prediction? Bogan confidently says, “Oh, we are 100% winning. 100%.”
