Finishing Chicago

03/17/2026

☘️ 𝑯𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒚 𝑺𝒕. 𝑷𝒂𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒌’𝒔 𝑫𝒂𝒚 ☘️

First impressions matter. Even on the river.

Every year, our city turns the river green, not just for tradition, but as a 𝐛𝐨𝐥𝐝 reminder of the pride, craftsmanship, and community that define us. From the crews who make it happen to the millions who show up to celebrate, it’s a reflection of what makes Chicago…𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐠𝐨.💚

At Finishing Chicago, 𝒘𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒆𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒍𝒔 𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒏𝒐 𝒄𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔 𝒊𝒕 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓. ✨

03/11/2026

Last week, we lost a true trailblazer for women in the trades, Erie Von Magruder-Jackson. 🕊️

In 1978, Erie became the first woman to graduate from the painting and decorating apprenticeship program at Washburne Trade School through Chicago Painters District Council 14. She later returned as the school’s first female instructor and went on to become the first woman to hold office in District Council 14.

As a co-founder of Chicago Women in Trades (CWIT), her perseverance, leadership, and courage helped open doors that once seemed impossible. Because of pioneers like Erie, more women today can build meaningful careers in the trades.👷🏻‍♀️

May we honor her legacy by continuing the work she started, creating opportunities and lifting the next generation of women in construction.🤍

Finishing Trades Institute of DC 14 Chicago | DC14 Women's Committee | DC14 Young Workers Committee

03/08/2026

𝑯𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒚 𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑾𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏’𝒔 𝑫𝒂𝒚!💜

Today we celebrate the strength, talent, and leadership of women across our industry and communities.

At Finishing Chicago, we believe women should be supported, recognized, and uplifted not just today, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐝𝐚𝐲.

03/04/2026

Happy 𝟏𝟖𝟗𝐭𝐡 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐲, Chicago! 🎉🏙️

A city built by 𝐛𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 that brought them to life. From the world’s first skyscraper (1885) to the first Ferris wheel (1893), Chicago has 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 set the standard for innovation, construction, and craftsmanship.

And of course, we gave the world deep-dish pizza and the sacred Chicago rule…no ketchup on hot dogs. 🌭 🍕

Here’s to 𝟏𝟖𝟗 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 of incredible architecture, hardworking tradespeople, unforgettable food, and a skyline that keeps rising. 🏗️

03/03/2026

Women are not just part of construction. They are helping lead it.

This 𝑾𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏 𝒊𝒏 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑾𝒆𝒆𝒌, we celebrate the strength, skills, and leadership of the women building our skylines, managing projects, leading teams, and raising the standard across our industry. From the jobsite to the boardroom, women are shaping 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 of construction. 🏗️

Let’s keep opening doors, mentoring the next generation, and building lasting impact.

01/19/2026

Ann Bolden:

"My experience as a union painter has been awesome. Being part of the union has provided strong training and a supportive environment where quality and safety are always a priority. I take pride in the craftsmanship the union represents and appreciate the opportunities it has given me to grow and succeed in my trade."

Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association | Chicago Painters District Council 14

Meet Ann, and learn how hotels work for ChicagoLearn more at https://HotelsWorkForChicago.com

11/26/2025

This Thanksgiving, we’re grateful for the partners, clients, contractors, and community who make our work possible every day. 🍁

Thank you for your trust, collaboration, and commitment to raising the bar across our industry. We’re proud to support projects and teams that bring quality, craftsmanship, and innovation to the spaces we all share.

Wishing you and your families a warm, safe, and joyful Thanksgiving. 🧡

11/19/2025

In recent collaboration with Bisnow and leading industry experts we’ve come together to share how thoughtful design and modern finishes are redefining first impressions and transforming the way people experience commercial spaces.

➡️ If you haven’t read our article yet, dive in here: https://www.bisnow.com/chicago/news/architecture-design/finishing-chicago-first-impressions-design-building-interiors-studiob-131702?utm_source=chatgpt.com

At Finishing Chicago, we know that elevated interiors don’t just look good they drive value, enhance guest and tenant satisfaction, and strengthen your brand the moment someone walks through the door.

✨ From durable wallcoverings and faux finishes to texture-rich design trends, now is the time to start preparing your 2026 improvement plans.
✨ Early planning ensures access to the best contractors, the right materials, and a seamless project timeline.

Let’s make 2026 the year your space makes its strongest first impression yet. Ready to get started? We’re here to help connect you with the top finishing contractors.

Hester Painting & Decorating | Ascher Brothers Co., Inc. | Finishing Trades Institute of DC 14 Chicago

How commercial buildings can use faux finishes and wallcoverings to elevate their spaces and create a strong first impression.

11/11/2025

𝑯𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒚 𝑽𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒔 𝑫𝒂𝒚! 🇺🇸

This Veterans Day, we proudly recognize the brave men and women who have served our country, including those within our own community and industry. Your bravery and sacrifice remind us of what true service means.

10/24/2025

Finishing Chicago was proud to sponsor and attend Bisnow’s Chicago State of the Market event. 🏙️

The day brought together industry leaders and visionaries to discuss Chicago’s evolving commercial landscape, emerging opportunities, and the transformative projects shaping our city’s future. The insights and connections shared continue to inspire our commitment to driving excellence and innovation across the region.

We look forward to the exciting projects and collaborations ahead that will continue strengthening Chicago.🏗️

10/17/2025

Congratulations to all of our Finishing Trades Institute of DC 14 Chicago 2025 Graduates! 🎓

08/15/2025

🎉 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗣𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗲-𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 & 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗴𝗼’𝘀 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲𝘀 🎉

We’re proud to announce that five new graduates of the St. Paul Painters Pre-Apprenticeship Program have officially launched their careers - hired by leading union painting contractors Ascher Brothers Co., Inc., All-Tech Decorating Company, and Era Valdivia Contractors, Inc.

The program - a partnership between Saint Paul Church of God in Christ and the Chicago Painters District Council 14 - provides hands-on training, industry-recognized certifications, and a pathway to stable, well-paying careers with benefits.

Special thanks to our employer partners, instructors, and community leaders for investing in local talent and strengthening the ties between labor, community, and contractors. Together, we’re building not only skilled tradespeople but brighter futures.

🔗Learn more about how the program is changing lives and shaping Chicago’s workforce: https://www.finishingchicago.com/apprenticeship-program/

📽️ https://youtu.be/9XDR8y7tT54?si=UZV43fm8WdH2nt_J

The St. Paul’s Painters Pre-Apprenticeship Program offers young people a pathway to a construction trade career. Before the program, many participants did no...