Mt. Morris Unveils First Mural Through Local Art Initiative

The small town of Mt. Morris, located in northwest Illinois, has introduced its first mural, a vibrant addition to the community, thanks to the efforts of local artists and students. This initiative is part of the annual program run by Encore! Mt. Morris, which employs an artist-in-residence each summer to engage youth in artistic endeavors.

This year, Hannah Beach, a recent graduate of Northern Illinois University with a focus on art education, led a series of art classes targeting students from second grade through high school. These classes were held at the Allure of Pinecrest Grove building, where Beach guided younger students in various creative projects, including decorated painting shirts, botanical mono-printing, and yarn weaving.

High school art students participated actively in this program, assisting Beach while earning volunteer service hours. Notable participants included Kerrie Diaz, Olivia Leopold, Eleanor Guinn, Katy Miller, and Lily Griffin. In addition to working with younger children, Beach also directed junior high students in creating illusion sidewalk paintings around the Old Sandstone campus, further enhancing community engagement through art.

One of the most ambitious projects undertaken this summer was the creation of the town’s first mural, located in the tunnel at Dillehay Park. Beach collaborated with high school students including Lucia Wells, Lily Griffin, and Ahren Howey on this extensive design and painting effort, dedicating countless hours to bring this vision to life.

The funding for the artist-in-residence program this year was provided by the 100+ Women Who Care of Ogle County, a local organization dedicated to supporting community initiatives. This generous support has allowed Encore! Mt. Morris to foster a creative environment aimed at transforming the area into a vibrant cultural arts destination.

Encore! Mt. Morris is a volunteer-driven organization committed to enhancing the cultural landscape of Mt. Morris through the visual, performing, and culinary arts. Their ongoing efforts reflect a strong community spirit and dedication to making art accessible to all residents.

For further information on the initiatives and events organized by Encore! Mt. Morris, interested parties can visit their website at EncoreMtMorris.com.