Celebrating a decade in Chicago, The James Chicago continues to grow its commitment to public art with a new installation by local artist, publisher, and designer Alex Valentine. Titled Peace & Space, the project features two boldly colored collage paintings displayed in oversized exterior frames near The Patio along the hotel’s east-facing sidewalk. The works, created for this public presentation, are scheduled to be unveiled this month.
Valentine, who teaches in the Printmedia and Visual Communications departments at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, was commissioned for the installation through a collaboration between The James Chicago and Johalla Projects. The pieces reflect Valentine’s layered approach to composition and color, bringing contemporary collage into an accessible outdoor setting for both guests and passersby to enjoy.
Beyond its public art program, The James Chicago offers a broad array of guest services designed to enhance comfort and convenience. Complimentary WiFi is available throughout the hotel, and a mezzanine office workspace is provided free of charge for travelers who need a quiet place to work. Guestrooms and suites include amenities like Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Mini iPod speakers in select accommodations and HD smart TVs with streaming capability from personal devices. The hotel also provides triple-filtered water and eco-friendly pillow options from Keetsa, catering to guests who value sustainability and wellness while traveling.
The hotel promotes local discovery through an interactive program guide that highlights nearby attractions, dining, and services. Its Urban Wellness program curates authentic Chicago experiences focused on mind-body well-being, offering activities and resources that encourage relaxation, movement, and connection to the city. These offerings complement the hotel’s design-forward environment and its ongoing effort to integrate contemporary art into the guest experience.
The new Alex Valentine installation reinforces The James Chicago’s decade-long dedication to blending hospitality with cultural engagement, inviting guests and locals alike to encounter striking contemporary art in an everyday urban context.