Cornerstone Community Development Corporation, a nonprofit in Ford Heights that supports vulnerable populations, is now home to multiple vibrant pieces of art supported by a Cook County Arts Creative Placemaking grant.

A mural celebrating the community is installed on the nonprofit’s exterior, and a hydroponic farm on the property features an artistic wrap.

The art, along with the farm, were unveiled July 9, 2026.

“Our future is looking bright here in Ford Heights,” said Cornerstone board chair Bonita Estelle, “and I am excited about it.”

The colorful 94-foot mural features inspiring messages such as “We Are One” and “Together We Win,” along with words like “Heal,” “Hope,” and “Unity.”

There are images of a chef, judge, doctor and construction worker–an ode to Cornerstone’s commitment to workforce development–and images of children walking to school, a nod to eighth-grade students from Ford Heights School District 169. The students provided sketches and inspirational words they wanted to see displayed, and a “community paint day” helped bring the mural to completion in about 5 weeks.

Muralists Rhonda Gray, Noni Michelle and Nakia Brown led the installation.

Gray, a resident of the Bronzeville neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago, has practiced art for about 25 years and led over 25 mural projects in the Chicagoland area.

“This is the kind of project that I love to do to support the community,” Gray said. “It aligns with my mission and my mural collection, of supporting and amplifying communities’ voices.”

She and the other muralists loved seeing the public pass by and ask about the mural–and share their stories about the community.

“I hope the mural reminds people that growth is always possible,” said Brown, also a Chicago-based artist with over 20 years of professional experience. “It celebrates the potential that already exists in Ford Heights and reflects hope, resilience and opportunity. My wish is that residents see themselves in the work and feel inspired to continue building a strong, vibrant future for their community.” 

The hydroponic farm, which is set in a shipping container and uses water-based solutions to grow the same amount of produce as three acres of land, will support local food pantries and the Ford Heights/Chicago Heights communities. Adjacent to the farm, a smaller container, which stores equipment, also has a grant-supported wrap.

Both wraps, installed by AdWrap Graphics, based out of Itasca, feature an important message: “Food is Medicine.”

Funding for the farm is provided by another Cook County program, Transforming Places, which supports the United Way of Metro Chicago’s Neighborhood Network Initiative. Ford Heights/Chicago Heights are among the networks, collectively serving as the Higher Heights Initiative.