New Murals Transform McHenry’s Downtown with Vibrant Art

The downtown area of McHenry has recently seen a vibrant transformation with the installation of new murals, contributing to the community’s artistic landscape. Local business owners and artists have come together to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the city, with the latest mural being installed at 3430 Elm St by Michael Suchowski and his team from Invictus Vinyl. This initiative reflects a collective desire to beautify the neighborhood, with the mural work generously donated by Suchowski.

Suchowski, along with designer John Helman, completed the mural in late summer as part of a broader effort to celebrate and elevate the local arts scene. Julie Skaggs, the owner of The Mad Soyientist Candle Co., expressed enthusiasm for the project, noting that the idea emerged during discussions with her colleagues at the storefront, which also houses Lumber & Twine and Hair Flextensions.

Skaggs highlighted the supportive response from their landlord, who was enthusiastic about the mural proposal. “We got very excited about that, and it was something we all wanted to do,” Skaggs stated. As the planning for McHenry’s first 815 Day was underway, Skaggs reached out to Dorothy Wolf from the city’s economic development office to inquire about the mural guidelines. During this conversation, Wolf informed her that Invictus Vinyl was seeking a location to donate a vinyl mural.

This collaboration resulted in the mural being designed, printed, and installed entirely by the Invictus team. Skaggs noted, “This is their contribution to 815 Day.” Suchowski emphasized the importance of supporting small businesses, saying, “I know what it is like to have a small business and not that many funds. It costs us pennies to help somebody out.”

The mural’s design includes elements such as water, trees, cats, swings, and a power boat, alluding to the nearby Fox River. It invites passersby to stop and engage with the artwork, creating opportunities for memorable photographs. This mural marks the third installation in McHenry this year and the fourth since Fall 2022 when Dawn Bremer of Bremer Team-Keller Williams Success Realty collaborated with local businesses to initiate a mural project on Green Street.

In June, two additional murals were completed: one by Rockford-based artist Jenny Mathews at the outdoor beer garden of McHenry Brewing Company and another designed by students from McHenry High School, installed by Daniel Florek at 3411 W. Elm St. These projects exemplify a growing trend in McHenry to embrace public art as a means of community enrichment.

Bremer commented on the impact of these murals, stating, “It is about sparking something bigger in our community.” Her Green Street mural was part of a collaborative effort involving the city and 18 local businesses, all contributing $1,000 each to fund the artist. She noted that the success of this mural inspired subsequent projects, fostering a culture of creativity within McHenry.

As the community continues to embrace public art, the vibrant murals not only beautify the city but also encourage a sense of unity among residents and businesses. With each new installation, McHenry is evolving into a canvas that reflects the spirit and creativity of its community.