Step into a perfect slice of Chicago nostalgia. This handmade shadow box by the late David “Dick” Dahlstrom captures the charm of a classic Chicago coffee shop. With its worn brick exterior, deep green turret, and copper roof, you can almost smell the hot coffee brewing inside The Daily Grind. Upstairs, bay windows adorned with lace curtains suggest lives quietly unfolding above.
Crafted entirely by hand and framed like a tiny theater set, every detail—from the window trim to the sidewalk steps—is a love letter to urban architecture. Set inside a deep shadow box, it’s ready to display and spark conversation. A one-of-a-kind work by an artist who spent decades honoring the soul of the city, this piece is truly a story you can hang on your wall.
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.
