Cedarhurst of McHenry is a peaceful senior living community in the western suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. The artwork pairs abstract rural landscapes with bold framed photographs of famous Chicago landmarks creating an elegant and charming ambiance for residents to enjoy.

The main lobby opens to a bright, welcoming lounge where a large abstract canvas accents a tall stone fireplace. In the neighboring bistro, impressionist landscape prints flank an entertainment space, and a historic map of Chicago is displayed on an adjacent wall. The memory care gathering area includes an ornate collection of local architectural photography, maps, and other familiar imagery. The arrangement aims to evoke memories and encourage residents to recall time spent exploring the Windy City. The salon features textured plaster art in a complementary color scheme that adds a modern touch to the space.

The artwork in a private dining room highlights Illinois’ blend of urban and rural life. A gallery wall features illustrated landscapes framed with weighted mats that draw attention to the details of each image. An antique map of 1868 Chicago provides an in-depth look at the city’s rich history. In other parts of the residence, black and white photos of local sports stadiums and baseball players delight residents, who might recall childhood memories of eating CrackerJacks while cheering on their favorite team (whether it be the Cubs or the White Sox). Photo-realistic prints by local photographer and digital artist Christopher Arndt offer a new perspective of familiar sites in downtown Chicago.

The combination of contemporary art and historical photography highlights significant pieces of the area’s past and aligns them with the present day.