PEORIA, Ill. — “It’s an outstanding day in the greatest art city in America, Peoria, Illinois!” exclaimed Peoria Riverfront Museum CEO John Morris on Saturday morning in the Warehouse District.
Morris was one of a few dignitaries on hand to take part in the ribbon cutting of the Big Picture Peoria Washington Street Mural Gallery in front of the former Van BusKirk building.
Eight 17 x 10 pictures are featured on the Washington St. side of the building, seven of which are the work of local artists.
One, titled “Peoria’s Colorful Past,” is a surreal collage of Peoria history, by Big Picture co-founders Doug and Eileen Leunig.
Others include “Inspiration,” by William Butler; “Leslie,” by Keith Cotton; “Corvette,” by Brian Jensen; “Big Mag 2.0,” by Steph Van Doren; “Chopsticks,” by Natalie Jackson, and “Field Notes,” by Lori Reed.
“These are artists we knew,” said Doug Leunig.
“As we go forward on this, we hope to have a future of art all over Central Illinois that’s not just local, but national and international, as well.”
The one not produced by a local artist still pays tribute to Peoria’s past. It’s a donation from the Peoria Public Library, a vintage Gipps Amberlin Beer advertisement.
There’s a family connection between Gipps Brewery and the owners of the building on which the sign is displayed, Gina and John Wetzel.
“In January, we sat down with Doug and Eileen and kind of talked about this project, and we couldn’t be happier where this has gone,” said John Wetzel.
“When we look at downtown here, the Warehouse District, especially, it’s so exciting to see what’s happening. Who ever would have thought we’d have a rock climbing wall right across the street from us here in downtown Peoria?
“We’re blessed to have all this going on, and be a part of Warehouse District to do this.”
The Wetzels rent the building out to Builders Warehouse. John Wetzel said when their lease is up, they could make the inside of the building an extension of the outside; essentially, an art gallery.
“John and Gina have a dream to do something arts-related to this, so it’s really appropriate we have put… 1,100 square feet of art onto their building that will be an icon for Peoria,” said Doug Leunig.
Leunig said the murals will be illuminated by 16 lights, set to be installed as early as next week.
“It’s going to be beautiful during the day and during the night,” he commented.
The art can be seen at 1470WMBD on Instagram.
