It’s not every day that you get to tour the home of an award-winning artist, so when we were given the opportunity, we jumped at the chance to explore the Chicago residence of renowned abstract painter Edward Myers. Myers’s paintings are displayed in galleries and private collections all around the world, and now his beautiful home can be seen by people passing through the Chicago neighborhood of Hyde Park—though getting inside isn’t as easy as walking up to his front door (or knocking on it).
The Office Space
Tucked away in a quiet alley in Chicago’s River North neighborhood is the home and studio of artist Thea severe. Thea purchased the 3,400-square-foot space about a decade ago, and has since filled it with her beautiful paintings, as well as eclectic furniture and objects from her travels. I like to think of my work as a way to engage people in discussions about identity, especially within immigrant communities or through communities of color, she says.
Her favorite piece of art that she created for this project is De Rigueur, which depicts two Middle Eastern women and was inspired by their similarities and differences. They’re both Muslim, but one woman is veiled and the other isn’t. They are both wearing colorful dresses but one dress is bright red while the other dress has blue flowers on it. And they are both carrying baskets of clothes, but what they have in them differ too—one basket holds vegetables while the other basket holds spices.
The Kitchen
This kitchen is a gourmet’s dream, with top-of-the-line appliances, beautiful countertops, and plenty of space to cook and entertain. The cabinets are a warm wood, and the backsplash is a gorgeous mosaic. The light fixtures are modern and add a touch of glamour. The perfect place to gather with friends and family! Just outside this room, you’ll find a large living area where you can relax and watch your favorite show.
Head upstairs to find two bedrooms – one for guests and one for children or grandparents – each decorated in calming shades of blue. It’s time to head out for the day? The dining room has a table that seats six people, so invite some friends over for dinner and make it feel like home. If you’re feeling adventurous, take your dog on a walk down Clark Street past Soldier Field into Grant Park – home of Buckingham Fountain and Cloud Gate (aka The Bean).
Additional Rooms in the House
In addition to the living room, kitchen, and bedroom, there is also a home office, a sunroom, and a guest room. The home office is where the artist does most of her work. It has high ceilings, plenty of natural light, and a view of the backyard. The sunroom is where the artist relaxes and enjoys the warm weather. It has a comfortable sofa and chairs, and a TV for watching movies.
The guest room is spacious with two beds and floor-to-ceiling windows that let in lots of sunlight. Both beds are decorated with luxurious pillows, fluffy duvets, and cozy blankets. There is a large desk for those who need to get some work done, and an armchair next to the window so you can enjoy the scenery outside. The final piece of furniture in this beautiful space is a dresser with all your clothes organized neatly inside it.