The image of another Chicago notable now graces the walls of the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery… and we have a Chicago artist to thank for it!
Shawn Michael Warren was hand-picked to paint Oprah’s image to hang on the walls of the famed museum after she saw a mural Shawn did 3 years ago as part of a project honoring her in the West Loop here in Chicago. Oprah said the mural took her breath away and she was joyous when she saw the finished painting of her in a purple taffeta Christian Siriano dress holding an olive branch in her prayer garden at her California home.
The unveiling happened this week in Washington, D.C. and Shawn thanked Oprah for being his friend and muse. The final painting stands 7 feet tall and is an oil painting on canvas. Oprah’s portrait will be on display through October of next year… alongside the images of Harriett Tubman, Frederick Douglas, Ida B. Wells, former first lady Michelle and President Barack Obama.
Remember to always celebrate your magic! xo