Artwork in Starved Rock Country

STARVED Artwork in ROCK COUNTRY

Starved Rock Country is home to a vibrant artistic community that's growing larger and more diverse by the day. From storefront galleries and boutique art stores, to public mural programs and larger than life landscape pieces, you’ll want to explore the wide variety of art activities that Starved Rock Country has to offer.

 CITY FOLK URBAN DECOR 722 LaSalle St, Ottawa www.Cityfolkottawa.com Start your art journey across Starved Rock Country at Ottawa’s own City Folk Urban Decor, a boutique store specializing in limited-edition signed art prints and other eclectic interior decorations. At City Folk, you’ll find pieces that fit every taste and price point, whether you’re looking for small handmade espresso cups or an attention-grabbing large postwar Dutch painting. Much of City Folk’s highly curated offerings come from owner John Fisher Dann’s personal collection, amassed over years of travel and through personal connections with leading artists and galleries.  EFFIGY TUMULI LANDSCAPE ART 1300 N 27th Rd, Ottawa www2.illinois.gov/dnr/Parks Buffalo Rock State Park is home to more than just scenic river overlooks and treelined trails, it’s also the site of the once world renowned “Effigy Tumuli'' mounds, made by visionary "earthworks'' artist Michael Heizer. These mounds of shaped

earth resemble five enormous animals: a snake, turtle, catfish, frog and water strider. These earthworks, which can only be seen through aerial photography today, were an artistic sensation in the early days of Buffalo Rock State Park’s history and a notable chapter in Michael Heizer’s catalog (other noted works can be found in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and in the permanent collection at The Met).

 MY ABSTRACT ART &

APPAREL

107 Mill St, North Utica www.myabstractartandapparel.com Explore the abstract works of artist Jeremy Johnson at this beautiful gallery, located in downtown Utica. Created using heavy layers of a variety of mediums, this singular style is perfect for any collection needing a new contemporary piece of art. At My Abstract Art & Apparel “The canvas painting you request is as original as you.” Looking for an artistic souvenir? Explore the shop’s selection of apparel featuring Johnson’s inspiring abstract creations.  NCI ARTWORKS 408 5th St, Peru www.nciartworks.com Based around three central pillars, Artistic Collaboration, Educational Outreach, and Arts Space Development, North Central Illinois ARTworks is fostering communication between artists, arts organizations, and arts educators through a regional arts calendar, arts directory, public round table discussions, seminars and workshops. NCI Artworks also hosts regular gallery shows, film screenings and coordinates public art projects throughout the community. For more information on upcoming arts events in the area, be sure to sign up for NCI Artwork’s newsletter.

 OPEN SPACE ART

GALLERY & STUDIOS

223 W Madison St, Ottawa www.osartstudios.com Open Space Art Gallery and Studios is a community art center located in the heart of downtown Ottawa. This gallery and studio space caters to

PHOTO ABOVE: Ottawa A Brush With History Murals TOP RIGHT PHOTO: Effigy Tumuli Landscape Art BOTTOM RIGHT PHOTO: Open Space Art Gallery & Studios

creatives of every age and skill level, offering non-intimidating single session classes and inclusive art shows. Beyond giving talented regional and visiting artists a space to show their work in a professional setting, Open Space also provides artists with a venue to sell their pieces to a wider audience.

 OTTAWA A BRUSH WITH

HISTORY MURALS

Various Locations Throughout Downtown www.pickusottawail.com/ murals/ottawa-murals/ Since 2002, Ottawa’s ‘A Brush With History’ mural program has been commissioning larger than life depictions of local history to be placed on walls of local businesses. This program, vetted by the Art Institute of Chicago, highlights figures and events that have impacted Ottawa’s past. Notable murals include Don Gray’s “Day of the Great Debate” and the recently added four-story “Revolution” piece by Trompe L’ Oeil artist John Pugh. For more information on this continuing mural project, visit the Ottawa Visitors Center.

 STREATOR WALLDOG

MURALS

Various Locations Throughout Downtown www.streator.org/explore/arts/ murals.php In 2018, more than 260 talented sign painters and muralists descended on Streator, IL. In one week's time, they completely transformed the downtown, adding 17 beautiful new murals depicting the town's rich history. Now you can hop in your car and take a driving tour of this larger than life outdoor art gallery, featured on business’ exterior walls throughout the city. For more information on the Walldogs project, and to see a map of the murals, head over to streatorwalldogs.com