Exclusive Artist Collection: Mac Blackout

Rising above North Michigan Avenue, the Starbucks Reserve Roastery Chicago is the largest Starbucks in the world. At five stories and 35,000 square feet, it’s a living tribute to the art, architecture and culture of its namesake city. Beauty is not in short supply here, from the extraordinary coffees roasted and served, to the art inside, created by local artists. 

We believe collaborating with local creators through the Starbucks Art Program brings the culture and style of the community to life. And so, for the Chicago Roastery’s 5th anniversary, we knew that local art had to be part of the celebration. We asked Chicago-based visual artist Mac Blackout to create a new collection in honor of the milestone, available exclusively at the Chicago Roastery. His work was an important part of the Roastery’s opening in 2019 – he created a limited-edition collection for that special day too. So, if you weren’t there for the opening five years ago, now is your chance to take a piece of this celebration home with you.

Psychedelic Art, Coffee and Boom Boxes

Known for his massive colorful murals, illustrations, sculpture and hand-painted boom boxes, Mac’s style is bold and vibrant. His work is inspired by the art and sounds of 20th century avant-garde pioneers, early New York graffiti, and the psychedelic art of the 60s. He’s also inspired by the community around him, where his art is often on full display. He likes to think of the community and space as part of the art, and about how it all fits together. 

Growing up in Indiana, Mac’s mother was an art teacher, so he was exposed to art early and often. But it was trips to Chicago that were a constant inspiration. After art school in Indiana, he moved to the windy city for good in 1999. He’s founded several bands along the way, but visual art was always his passion. Now, his work can be found in neighborhoods and record bins all around the city, from massive murals to albums, paintings to sculptures, prints, and of course, the boom boxes. He’s hand-painted over 100 of them. 

Mac Blackout Collection

Curated and created just for the Roastery’s 5th anniversary, the new collection from Mac features coffee cups, tumblers, a knit beanie, and a custom-embroidered jacket. The collection also includes a few extremely limited-quantity pieces: one hand-painted La Marzocco espresso machine, a wooden 3-D sculpture, and one of Mac’s signature boomboxes. All in his bold and vibrant style, combined with a love of coffee, the Starbucks Siren, and the city of Chicago. And all ready to take home, to become part of your own collection. 

Mac’s amazing, colorful art is such an integral part of the Chicago Roastery’s history, from the day we opened our doors to now as we celebrate our 5th anniversary. We knew that Mac had to be part of this moment along the Magnificent Mile. We believe the extraordinary coffees we roast and serve bring stories and flavors of their origin to life. And we believe local artists like Mac do the same, bringing a beautiful piece of the community to our Starbucks Reserve Roastery for all to see, enjoy, and take home. 

Learn more about Mac’s work at macblackout.com