Go For It, Pullman Chicago IL
Title: Go For It
Artist: Matthew Hoffman
Partner: Mosnart, JB Daniel, Historic Pullman Foundation
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Installed: 2014
Materials: Wood, Plastic Laminate
Dimensions: 20’ × 5’ × 2’
About This Installation
Invited by artist and community organizer JB Daniel, Go For It began as a grassroots public art project in Chicago’s Pullman neighborhood.
Unlike many public artworks, this project was built with direct support from the community itself. Neighbors contributed financially, volunteered their time, shared skills, and helped bring the sculpture to life. The work was fabricated inside the historic Pullman factory and transported through the neighborhood before being installed in Market Square.
Originally intended to remain in place for only a short period, the sculpture stayed for years and became an unexpected gathering point within the community. Along the way, it demonstrated how a simple message, shared ownership, and collective effort could transform a temporary installation into something lasting.
The project would ultimately become a turning point in my practice. Many of the fabrication techniques, community engagement ideas, and large-scale text sculptures that followed can be traced back to lessons learned while creating Go For It.
While the sculpture no longer exists, its influence remains present throughout the many public artworks that came after it.