The Chicago Illinois Temple, located twenty miles north of Chicago, is one of a series of detailed pencil drawings and paintings created by the artist Chad S. Hawkins. In 1989, at the age of seventeen, Chad started this unique temple series, becoming the original LDS artist to involve hidden spiritual images in his artwork. Before drawing each temple, Chad visits the temple site to research its history, construction, and beautiful surroundings. He then returns to his studio to draw the temple by referring to his notes, sketches, and photographs.
The Chicago Illinois Temple was dedicated in August of 1985 by Gordon B. Hinckley, becoming the thirty-fifth temple of the church. The temple's six-spire design, with its steep, sloping, gray slate roof is encased in a gray buff marble. Located on thirteen acres, the temple is complemented by large trees and a beautiful lawn surrounded by an ornate brick and iron fence. In this picture, Chad has sketched the face of the Savior, Jesus Christ, in the beautiful trees to the left of the temple, with his hands among the flowers, guiding us to the temple. LDS Church members who attend the temple are taught more about the gospel of Jesus Christ and the purpose of life: Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life. (2 Ne. 31:20).
This comes in a 11x14 print.