Some new public art displays are taking their place along West Main Street in Peoria.
Bradley University recently unveiled a large mural on Harper Hall near the campus entryway intersection, while ArtsPartners of Central Illinois has announced plans for another mural at the corner of Main and Sheridan Road.
The upcoming project is one of 22 statewide public arts installations funded through the Illinois Arts Council as part of the state’s America 250 commemorations, marking the milestone anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
“This is an amazing opportunity to bring new energy to a highly visible space in our community,” ArtsPartners Executive Director Mae Gilliland Wright said in a news release. “We’re looking forward to a refreshed mural that celebrates the people of our region and reflects all that we have built, experienced, and contributed as a community here in central Illinois.”
"This project is both a statement about what we value and a way to honor where we’ve been and how we see ourselves moving forward. I am also thrilled that it will be located in the West Main corridor, a thriving creative hub in our region.”
ArtsPartners has issued a request for qualifications [RFQ] inviting Illinois-based artists to submit proposals, with a deadline of May 10. Up to three finalists will be selected to participate in a paid design phase to develop preliminary concepts.
A public unveiling is targeted for late summer or early fall. More information is available on the ArtsPartners website.
Bradley mural
The piece on Harper Hall, entitled A Place To Imagine, is the work of Bradley graphic design graduate Olivia Malone. Her design was chosen from more than 40 submissions.
“My concept is inspired by the students and future leaders of Bradley, the same kind of student I once was,” Malone said in a media release. “The composition flows from Bradley on the hill down into the city of Peoria, symbolizing how education extends beyond the classroom and into the life of the community.”
The project represents a partnership between Bradley, Big Picture Peoria and the Greater Peoria Leadership Council.
“This project represents the very best of Bradley University: creativity, collaboration, and connection,” said Bradley President James Shadid. “As we create a new gateway at Main and University, this installation will serve as an inspiring welcome to everyone who arrives here.”
First Fridays Amplified
ArtsPartners announced it has received two community grants totaling $55,000 to expand the First Fridays program, in a partnership with Harmonize Peoria.
The First Fridays Amplified initiative intends to bolster the region's monthly arts and culture event, by increasing foot traffic and creating a more connected and vibrant experience.
The program expansion follows a refresh of First Fridays in collaboration with the City of Peoria, Discover Peoria, Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Peoria Riverfront Association.
“When we began shaping this next phase, it was based on what we were already seeing – people were ready for this, especially after the dip in participation post-COVID,” said Gilliland Wright.
The funding is comprised of a $30,000 grant from the Greater Peoria Leadership Council and a $25,000 gift from the Community Foundation of Central Illinois, through its Arts Mean Business Fund.
The Arts Mean Business grant will support a broader 10-month strategy through next February to establish First Fridays as a driver of tourism and economic development.
The First Fridays Amplified initiative seeks to strengthen connections between participating galleries, studios, restaurants and arts businesses while increasing visibility and economic impact. The partnership with Harmonize Peoria incorporates additional opportunities for local musicians into the program.
