PUBLIC COLLECTORS

A note about the concept of eminent domain, found on the sidewalk in Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood, May 2013. 

A detail of a hand-painted sign on Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood.

Some delicious hand-painted Mexican pastries, offered on Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood. Cupcake? Cheese cake? Strawberry shortcake? 

Some delicious hand-painted Mexican pastries, offered on Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood.

Hand-painted signage for a burned out Polish bakery on Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood.

Could these people have picked a creepier object to hang from their back gate? That the doll is frozen and has icicles hanging off of it isn’t helping matters. Photographed this morning in Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood.

Alley life in Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood: Beware of dog, because it will definitely get into your trash.

One of the less well known places where one can enjoy coffee in Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood.

Hand-painted signage from the Mattress Outlet on N. Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood.

Portrait of a 50% off sale. Photographed this afternoon along N. Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood.

One of about six notices spotted on a block in Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood. It’s not clear what defacement they are commenting on but someone’s anger is pretty apparent.

Documentation of one of the more questionably named businesses in Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood.

Documentation of the American Freeze ice cream truck that I regularly see circling the Avondale neighborhood in Chicago. Today, while the driver was inspecting the back of the truck, which was emitting terrible smoke and seemed to be on the verge of catching on fire, I was able to admire and photograph some of the paintings and drawings on this vehicle.