Whimsical, scrappy, and full of character—just like the best kind of roadside eats—Diane’s Fancy Hot Dog Stand is anything but fancy (and that’s the charm). Handmade by artist David “Dick” Dahlstrom, this shadow box captures the gritty magic of a Chicago corner stand slinging 98¢ hot dogs with a side of sass.
With painted oil-drum tables, milk crate chairs, and an umbrella that fights the good breeze fight, it’s the kind of place you’d swear has the best hot dog in the city. Look closer and you’ll spot hand-lettered signs shouting "Kosher! Pure Beef" and "Yes, Believe It! Big Baby Double Cheeseburger $1.29" The soda pops glint in the window, the trash can's brimming, and the whole scene is alive with urban honesty. This piece is more than a miniature—it’s a slice of street-corner poetry. Dahlstrom had a gift for elevating the everyday, and Diane’s is a perfect example ~ rowdy, beloved, and full of flavor.
17" high x 7" deep x 22" long
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.
