This piece is pure neighborhood nostalgia. A classic Chicago barbershop—striped awning, barber pole and all—gets the full Dahlstrom treatment in this handmade shadow box. With red brick detail, painted window trim, and lace-curtained upstairs apartments, you can practically hear the buzz of clippers and smell the aftershave.
The hand-painted “Deluxe Barber Shop” sign pops against the dark green storefront, while little touches like the “Open” sign and weathered sidewalk make it feel alive. Crafted like a tiny stage set and framed in a black box, this one-of-a-kind piece is a tribute to the soul of a city and the quiet stories lived on its streets. A timeless gift or conversation piece for anyone who loves Chicago, craftsmanship, or the beauty of everyday places.
16" wide x 29" tall x 8" deep
Chicago-born artist David “Dick” Dahlstrom (1934–2025) channeled his deep-rooted love of drawing and design into handcrafted shadow boxes that double as miniature memories of his hometown. After training at the Art Institute of Chicago and a career in graphic arts, he returned with renewed passion post-retirement to sculpt these nostalgic creations—tiny house-like scenes capturing the soul of Chicago. Each piece carries the charm, whimsy, and attention to detail that made Dick’s work a familiar treasure at Midwest art fairs, galleries, and homes.
