Patricia Devine-Reed founded the Boulevard Arts Center and from the mid 1980s through the 1990s, this institution provided a wide range of artistic, educational and economic opportunities for the Englewood community. Murals brightened the walls of this former Catholic Church and inside an array of music, drama, dance and painting classes were offered. Young people also received training in creative writing, photography and video production. Performers included jazz saxophonists David Boykin and Ernest Dawkins, Senegalese kora player Morikeba Kouyate and spoken-word artist Oscar Brown, Jr. Community talents shows were also staged as were showcases for emerging singers and rappers from across Chicago. Boulevard Arts Center also held summer arts programs that employed young people in the neighborhood and also sold crafts created by South Side artisans in its gift shop.

– A.C. 

Caption: Former location of Blvd Arts Center