Milton Coronado’s journey into the world of tribute murals began with a deeply personal loss — the death of his father in 2001, who was fatally shot in Little Village.
Initially unsure of his life’s purpose, Coronado found clarity and motivation through the power of art, discovering its capacity to honor families mourning their loved ones lost to violence.
Since then, Coronado has dedicated himself to memorialize the deceased through his artwork.
His latest mural, located at 6451 S. Archer Avenue, is a poignant tribute to five fallen Chicago police officers.
Coronado took the initiative to create this one-story mural without formal commissioning, instead receiving the building owner’s permission to share his artistic expression.
“There have been at least five officers we’ve lost in the past 2.5 years, and that’s too many,” Coronado remarked, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging their sacrifices.
Before this, he hadn’t painted anything specifically for the Chicago police, making this project a significant departure in his work.
He feels a moral obligation to honor these officers and their families through his murals.
The mural features striking portraits of Andres Vasquez Lasso, Luis Huesca, Aréanah Preston, Ella French, and Enrique Martinez, each officer having tragically lost their lives in recent years due to violence while serving the community.
Coronado spent time connecting with the families of these officers to gather insights about their lives, interests, and how best to depict their characters through art.
The project also saw community members rally together, donating their time and resources to support Coronado’s efforts.
In crafting the mural, Coronado aimed to integrate elements of each officer’s life outside their duties, ensuring they were remembered as individuals rather than just as officers in uniform.
“There’s a shared bond, but they all had distinct lives,” Coronado explained, highlighting the importance of individuality in his tributes.
Coronado’s work is not limited to police officers.
In 2019, he gained attention for a mural dedicated to Marlen Ochoa-Lopez, a 19-year-old expectant mother brutally murdered that year.
This mural can be found at the intersection of 16th Street and Newberry Avenue in Pilsen.
He also painted a mural commemorating Adam Toledo, a 13-year-old boy shot by a Chicago police officer in 2021.
Beyond these tributes, Coronado has memorialized other loved ones on 16th Street, including a tribute to his mother and a friend lost to suicide, as well as Vanessa Guillen, a soldier tragically killed in Texas.
For Coronado, creating these tribute murals is more than just an artistic endeavor; it serves as a means of healing from the profound loss he has experienced.
“Painting these murals helps me heal from the loss of my father.
It’s my calling, and I am steadfast in that purpose,” he said.
Coronado firmly believes that everyone is called to serve in their capacities, demonstrating how art can transform grief into a powerful message of remembrance.
image source from：chicago
