Applications are now open for a free sustainability-inspired mural.
Ameren Illinois is teaming up with the Peoria Guild of Black Artists to create three murals in Peoria — free of charge to property and business owners.
The guild will cover all costs related to supplies and labor and will assist property owners with permitting. Selected locations will have the opportunity to apply for energy efficiency upgrades through Ameren.
Applications are due Monday, Feb. 28. (Apply online.)
PGOBA co-founder and muralist Alex Martin hopes to see a variety of property owners apply.
“Murals are becoming very popular,” Martin said. “It's a very good way to celebrate your city, show love for the town. … They catch the public eye and they bring attention to your facility. People love when a building has art on it, especially art made by folks from that town.”
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In an effort to promote Ameren's energy efficiency resources, all three murals depict the theme of empowerment through sustainability.
Martin’s piece includes the word “EMPOWER” with a lightbulb in place of the letter “O.”
Underneath “EMPOWER” are five silhouettes of Guild artists and Ameren staff.
Chantell Marlow’s mural, “Power to the People,” depicts silhouettes of Peorians against a colorful backdrop of variously sized buildings.
And lastly, “Lightening Bulbs,” a piece co-created by Hannah Offutt and Brenda Pagan, portrays young children catching flying lightbulbs on a dark night.
With the murals, PGOBA members hope to encourage the community to learn about and take advantage of various energy efficiency resources provided by Ameren, Martin said.
“I know, a lot of times, it can be hard to trust an organization. So how can we build trust, and show that these resources are there for everybody?” they said. “Living sustainably … is taking power into your hands, and into the hands of your community. You're benefiting your community. You're benefiting your budget. You're benefiting the planet. And so it's very empowering.”
The Peoria Guild of Black Artists launched in the summer of 2020.
Learn more about the Peoria Guild of Black Artists here. Follow the group on Facebook and Instagram.
Click here to find out if your small business qualifies for low-to-no cost energy efficiency upgrades through Ameren Illinois.
