Diamond V. Galindo, who works under the name Diamond Doodle, was announced as the lead artist for a new mural on the side of New Life Community Church in Humboldt Park, Chicago. The project, organized by The Heart Project, will begin on August 21, 2026, at the church’s address of 1410 North Springfield Avenue. The mural is intended to celebrate stories of faith shared by members of the congregation.
Alecks Cruz, a fellow artist involved with The Heart Project, extended the invitation to Galindo to head the work. Cruz was unaware of Galindo’s personal history with the church when the invitation was made. Galindo’s connection to New Life Community Church runs deep; she grew up attending the church and took part in its youth programs, experiences that have shaped her artistic perspective.
The Heart Project, which partners with local institutions to create public art, selected the church’s exterior as a canvas for a community‑focused piece. The mural will be painted on the building’s side that faces the street, making the artwork visible to pedestrians and drivers alike. The design will incorporate visual elements that reflect the diverse faith narratives of the church’s members, though specific imagery has not been disclosed.
Construction of the mural is scheduled to start in the late afternoon of the announcement day, with work expected to continue over the coming weeks. The project aligns with the broader mission of The Heart Project to use art as a means of fostering dialogue and representation within Chicago neighborhoods. Community members have been invited to share their faith stories, which will inform the mural’s composition.
The collaboration brings together Galindo’s personal background, Cruz’s artistic direction, and The Heart Project’s community‑engagement framework. The mural aims to become a visual testament to the enduring role of faith in the lives of those who gather at New Life Community Church.
The artwork is set to remain on the church’s façade for the foreseeable future, offering a lasting reminder of the congregation’s shared experiences and the creative partnership that brought the piece to life.