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