Which Pilsen Shop Has The Best Holiday Window Display? Take A Stroll And Vote To Give Local Businesses A Boost

PILSEN — A Christmas window display competition is in full swing in Pilsen — and organizers need help to decide the winner.

Economic Strategies Development Corporation kicked off its Pilsen Christmas Window Walk last month. Local artists partnered with 13 businesses to design a Christmas window display, said the group’s president, Alex Esparza.

The aim is to boost people’s morale and attract shoppers to commercial corridors during the holiday season, Esparza said.

Thirteen businesses and 14 artists are participating in the initiative. People can vote for their favorite display online and the winner will receive $1,000 prize.

The final day to vote is Dec. 21. The winner will be announced Dec. 22.

The campaign is particularly important for artists who are a staple of the Pilsen community and have been hit hard during the pandemic. With events and gatherings unsafe during the pandemic, they’ve lost their primary places to showcase their work, Esparza said.

Artist Leticia Rodarte designed a window display from recycled items at the Jumping Bean. The display harkens back to her childhood, when she spent time around a campfire with her grandparents in Michoacán, Mexico.

“We didn’t have much … but we did have the company of our loved ones,” Rodarte said. “We had to make miracles with what we had.”

Rodarte’s display depicts those childhood memories alongside a Christmas tree made from cornhusks.

Given the strain the pandemic has had on everyone, Rodarte hopes the displays can “warm people’s hearts.”

“It’s a nice way for loved ones to get together and go for a walk in the neighborhood, and see some art, especially with museums closed,” Rodarte said.

The window decorations will be on display until Jan. 3.

The participating shops:

Bellis, 1307 W. 18th St.

Artist: Victor Enriquez

Andres Miranda, 1441 W. 18th St., 2nd floor

Artist: Armida Olivares

Andres Miranda, 1441 W. 18th St., 2nd Fl., display by Armida Olivares. Credit: Mauricio Peña/ Block Club Chicago

Big City Optical, 1350 W. 18th St.

Artis: Devon Williams

Cafe Jumping Bean, 1439 W. 18th St.

Artist: Leticia Rodarte

Escaramuza, 1644 W. 18th St.

Artist: Stephanie Sysounthone

Mestiza, 1523 W. 18th St.

Artist: Adriana Rivera

Pilsen Community Books, 1102 W. 18th St.

Artist: Jamie Lynn Porto (“Shero”)

Pilsen Vintage and Thrift, 1430 W. 18th St.

Artist: Maggie Reynoso

Realty of Chicago, 1504 W. 18th St.

Artist: Angelica Larios

Studio One Tattoo Shop, 1147 W. 18th St.

Artist: “Nuco” Villanueva

Tonantzin, 1173 W. 18th St.

Artist: Beatriz Thomas, a.k.a Medusa

Yvolina’s Tamales, 814 W. 18th St.

Artist: Gabriel Reinaldo Andres

Zarai Imports, 1724 W. 18th St.

Artist: Erika Berumen

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