This year’s Chicago Shines Bright sweater design for the 34th Annual Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival celebrates the Magnificent Mile as a place that glows with community and togetherness. I created the phrase Chicago Shines Bright to capture how our city’s true light comes from all of us, gathering, celebrating, and sharing warmth through creativity. Snowflakes in the artwork spell out “shine bright” and “Chicago,” drawn in my signature cursive, reflecting the spirit of the season.

Like You Are Beautiful, my work for this project centers on spreading kindness and connection through simple, uplifting messages. Whether it’s a small sticker or a citywide celebration, the goal is the same, to remind people that they belong, that they matter, and that together we make our communities shine.

It has been an honor to see this message come to life in such a meaningful way, illuminating Michigan Avenue with positivity, connection, and creativity.