Tony Fitzpatrick, a prolific Chicago artist known for his collages, etchings, and works on paper, died of a heart attack on 11 October at age 66. He was also a poet, author, actor, and raconteur, with his work held in major museum collections including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the National Gallery of Art, and the Art Institute of Chicago. Fitzpatrick ran the influential gallery World Tattoo and was a vocal defender of labor unions and underdogs. He had been awaiting a double lung transplant after being diagnosed with interstitial lung disease, but continued creating until his death, including a new book and a live show at Steppenwolf Theater.
Fitzpatrick's death marks the loss of a singular figure in Chicago's cultural landscape, whose brash personality and generous spirit made him a beloved mentor to young artists and a tireless advocate for the city. His work and legacy—embodied in his outdoor mural at Steppenwolf and his counter-narrative book challenging political attacks on Chicago—underscore his role as an artistic polymath who deeply intertwined his life and art with the identity of his hometown. His passing prompts reflection on the importance of local, community-driven art scenes and the artists who champion them.