The Mattoon Mural Arts Program
In partnership with The Lumpkin Family Foundation, which provided financial support for our first four murals, and the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program, which provided technical assistance, the Mattoon Arts Council seeks to develop murals around the city demonstrating high artistic value. According to Mural Arts Committee Chair Justin Grady -- not only do we aim to illuminate the city with high quality art, we plan to engage members of our community in its production. Having completed its second mural, the committee is now considering its next project.
Mattoon's Second Mural Dedicated at the Corner of Western and 19th Street
Our second, as yet untitled mural, is painted on a 640-square-foot block wall at the corner of Western Avenue and 19th Street. Philadelphia muralist Jon Laidacker designed it with the input of local middle and high school students who also joined in the painting. Themes of patriotism, nature and art formed the basis of the design. Together with the City of Mattoon, we will plan a small garden immediately in front of the mural in the spring. |
Get out of your car and look closely!
 The closer you get, the more detail you can observe. Get out of your car when you pass and look closely! It's like you can walk into it.
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Second Mural Engages Community
To the left, Mural Arts Chair Justin Grady with artist Jon Laidacker and Mayor Tim Gover at the dedication ceremony.
Vacant video store owned by the Walker family was donated for community paint and design days, to the right. 
Children contribute their painting and design talents at one of the community paint days.
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The fifth-grade Citizenship Committee at Williams Elementary School work on their first mural, with the theme of "Heroes." |
Mattoon's First Mural Dedicated Aug. 29, 2009
Civility
This mural embraces the landscape, history and people of Mattoon. For years after the completion of the rail, many trains a day would meet at the intersection of the tracks at the center of town and determine right of way in polite fashion. This symbolizes the civility of a community with a 150-year history of working together, which the mural captures. Lincoln and Douglas walk alongside the prairie and converse rather than debate. The skateboarder weaves gracefully without disturbing the pedestrians. The prairie grows neatly beside the brick walkway. The “lone elm” tree that guided travelers for decades stands peacefully on the prairie. The Essex House, as the first depot and hotel of Mattoon, was the original gathering spot and provider of hospitality in the area. Many figures in the mural are Mattoon area residents from the past or present.
D. S. Gordon, Artist
A Project of the Mattoon Arts Council and the City of Mattoon
Dedicated Aug. 29, 2009
D. S. Gordon, Artist
A Project of the Mattoon Arts Council and the City of Mattoon
Dedicated Aug. 29, 2009
