360 CHICAGO, the iconic observation deck on the 94th floor of 875 N. Michigan Ave. (the former John Hancock Center), announces local artist Coleman Smoll as the selected 2025 artist to exhibit at CloudWalk - the city’s highest open-air terrace located on 360 CHICAGO’s observation deck. Smoll will transform CloudWalk into Chicago’s highest art gallery, debuting later this spring.
With a background in multiple mediums and a degree in art history, Smoll’s detailed mural highlights how Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods are interconnected through their shared views of the world-recognized Hancock building. The piece will offer a local perspective and invite 360 CHICAGO visitors to discover the city’s communities and observe the daily life of Chicagoans.
“From vantage points throughout, this iconic monolith acts as the North Star for many Chicagoans,” said Smoll. “It’s a constant in our city’s skyline—something familiar that quietly connects us, no matter which neighborhood we call home.”
Inspired by Monet’s “Stacks of Wheat,” Smoll’s eight hand-painted murals shift through seasons and times of day, featuring views of the former Hancock building from neighborhoods like Garfield Park, Lakeview East and Roscoe Village. Floor tiles will depict an aerial view of the 875 N Michigan Ave. building, celebrating the city’s abundant green spaces.
“The response to our call for local artists was inspiring and speaks to the talent that makes Chicago such a creative city,” said Nichole Benolken, Managing Director of 360 CHICAGO. “This installation invites visitors from around the world to see Chicago from the everyday perspective of a local—through the familiar streets, sights and moments that make this city feel like home.”
Updates about the installation can be found on Instagram at @360CHICAGO and more information about Coleman Smoll can be found at colemansmoll.com. 360 CHICAGO is also home to TILT, Chicago’s highest thrill ride, and CloudBar, Chicago’s highest cocktail lounge offering Chicago-themed specialty cocktails. For tickets and more information about the experience visit 360CHICAGO.com.
Coleman Smoll at 360 CHICAGO's 94th-floor Terrace, CloudWalk, during the installation process. Photo credit to Jay Cappodano, 360 CHICAGO
About the Artist
Chicago-based artist Coleman Smoll works across several mediums, including oil painting, woodworking, drawing, tattooing and graphic design. Constantly inspired, Smoll’s work explores connection, transience and reality, often carrying themes of consciousness and mortality. Coleman received a B.A. in fine arts with an emphasis on graphic design and a minor in art history from Indiana University in 2015.
About CloudWalk’s Rotating Art Program
CloudWalk, Chicago’s highest art gallery, located at 360 CHICAGO on the 94th floor of 875 N. Michigan Ave., is a platform for emerging local artists to exhibit original Chicago-centric work. The gallery features a new installation each year, with artists selected through an open call for artists and is reviewed by a dedicated selection board.
The current CloudWalk Art Board of Chicago-based art and community leaders includes 2nd Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins, Art Institute of Chicago Executive Director of Civic Relations and Partnerships Nora Gainer, 360 CHICAGO Managing Director Nichole Benolken, Photojournalist Vashon Jordan Jr., and previous CloudWalk exhibitor, local Korean-American artist Katie Chung.
About 360 CHICAGO
360 CHICAGO Observation Deck offers the best views of Chicago from 1,030 feet above the famed Magnificent Mile, atop 875 N. Michigan (the former John Hancock Center). The 17,000-square foot observation deck on the 94th floor of the building is also the home of TILT – Chicago’s highest thrill ride, and CloudBar, the city’s highest cocktail lounge where guests can grab a specialty cocktail and relax while enjoying the view. 360 CHICAGO is operated by Magnicity, a global leader in elevated urban leisure, which welcomes millions of visitors annually to its locations in Chicago, Paris, Rotterdam and Berlin. Follow along on social @360CHICAGO and @CLOUDBARCHICAGO.