Kristal A. Pacheco, a Mexican-American artist, originally from the Pilsen neighborhood, is a lifelong resident of Chicago. She graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a degree in Art Education in 2001. She has worked with Chicago Public Art Group since 1996.
Pacheco is an accomplished muralist and mosaic artist. Pacheco has worked with diverse ethnic cultures and communities throughout the city. She has created over twenty public projects, collaborating with students to make unique and contemporary looking public art pieces. She brings her teaching skills to each unique project, creating opportunities for students to learn and contribute.

Pacheco’s body of work has been praised by schools, neighborhoods, agencies and the art community. She was one of 12 Chicago artists featured by Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs in October 2001 Artists’ Month, The Faces of Chicago Art: 12 Perspectives. Her work has also been featured in Urban Art Chicago, the Chicago Sun-Times, and the Beverly Review.

Kristal Pacheco Artist Statement

Growing up in an urban setting, I became intrigued with Chicago’s murals. I was fascinated by their powerful messages and large-scale in-your-face imagery. I felt the need to be a part of this movement. I identified with the work of Mitchell Caton, Calvin Jones, and Mario Castillo. I desired to also integrate pattern, symbols, and photo-realism in my work.

I enjoy providing the viewer many different facets in murals so as to evoke or connect to an emotional experience. Movement is inherent in my creative process. Additionally, I challenge students to conceptualize and integrate their own experiences into the overall collaboration. Community identity is central to the collaboration process.

Only Thing Keeping Me Down is…Gravity, 1997, acrylic paint on brick wall and ceramic tile, by
Kristal Pacheco and Veronica Werckmeister


Transforming Community: A Butterfly’s Journey, 2001, ceramic mosaic, by Kristal Pacheco


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