THE GENESEO MURAL PROJECT WILL PLACE MURAL INSTALLATIONS AROUND GENESEO THAT WILL LIVEN UP OUR ALREADY ACTIVE TOWN, AND GIVE RESIDENTS AND VISITORS A PLACE TO SNAPSHOT AND SHARE THEIR ACTIVITIES IN OUR GREAT CITY. 

If you are an artist interested in working with the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce on the Geneseo Mural Project, please fill out the Mural Artist Request for Proposal Form.

Thank you to our sponsors! A full list of businesses, organizations and individuals who have supported the Geneseo Mural Project can be found HERE.

HAROLD E. NEUMANN – AVIATION PIONEER

The fourth mural project, titled “Harold E. Neumann – Aviation Pioneer” was painted from June 4th through June 10th, 2024 on the north side of 119 N. State Street (Mel Foster Co). This mural pays tribute to local aviation pioneer Harold Neumann, a Geneseo native. Harold learned to fly during the mid-1920’s in the Geneseo and Quad Cities area, before becoming a skilled aerobatic daredevil and pilot. Harold also competed in several air races, winning several awards and races in the process. Harold was a skilled air racer, earning “Air Race Pilot of the Year” honors in 1935. eventually put show flying aside for a commercial pilot position with TWA. Following his retirement, Harold mentored several young pilots and was inducted into numerous Aviation Halls of Fame across the United States. Today, Harold Neumann is honored at the Geneseo Historical Museum with an exhibit display, located in the “Carriage House” behind the main building of the Geneseo Historical Society. More information about Harold Neumann can be found HERE. Thank you to muralist Scott “Cornbread” Lindley and to his team of talented muralists for creating an amazing public art showpiece in Geneseo.

BRING ON THE BAND

The third mural project, titled “Bring On The Band!” was painted from June 15th through June 18th, 2023 on the North side of 112 N. State Street (Musical Memories). This mural pays tribute to the excellence of Geneseo marching bands and the performing arts. Starting with the founding of the Maple City Band in 1906, the mural also depicts the Black Knights Drum & Bugle Corps who were based out of Geneseo, and the Geneseo High School Marching Band, also known as “The Sound of Geneseo”. GHS Seniors who graduated in 2023 are featured as marching on the right side of the mural, completing a timeline of marching and community band excellence spanning over 117 years. Stop by to enjoy the visual timeline of the Bring On The Band mural today! Thank you to muralist Scott “Cornbread” Lindley and to his team of talented muralists for creating an amazing public art showpiece in Geneseo.

THE FABRIC OF GENESEO

The second mural project, titled “The Fabric of Geneseo,” was painted from April 27th through May 15th, 2023 on the South side of 100 E. Main Street (All in Stitches). This colorful mural invites drivers and pedestrians to stop and take their picture holding the needle that has helped piece our amazing community together throughout the years. Thank you to MuralSoup, LLC. for their vision and flexibility!

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN GENESEO

The first mural project, tentatively titled “Historical Downtown Geneseo,” was painted over the weekend of September 15 through 18, 2022, on the South side of 134 South State Street (Geneseo Home Furnishings). The mural now greets drivers and pedestrians as they experience our downtown.

Professional murals will continue to be installed in Geneseo, Illinois, a shopping and dining destination that hosts many festivals and events year-round. See some of the concept designs below! 

Thank you Geneseo Mural Project Sponsors!

Thank you to our generous sponsors and hard-working committee, who have helped champion this exciting project for our community!

• Geneseo Foundation
• Dennis and Jane Reese Family Foundation
• Central Bank Illinois
• Betty Miller Foundation
• Rotary Club of Geneseo
• Farmers National Bank
• Hanford Insurance
• Pegasus Fine Gifts
• Geneseo Communications Foundation
• Smith Studio & Gallery
• JW Shooting Parlor
• City of Geneseo
• All in Stitches
• Musical Memories
• CIC YOUR Digital Print Center, LLC
• Cat White, Artist
• Central Schoolhouse
• Geneseo Communications
• First Lutheran Church
• Jim Nyland Photography
• Freedom Barricade Services
• Krios Engraving
• Tower Rental
• Smith Studio and Gallery
• Rutabaga Art
• The Carbiener Family
• C&S Antique Mall
• Geneseo Historical Museum
• The Neumann Foundation
• Wisdom Financial
• American Family Insurance- Michele Weber-Enck
• Quad Cities Investment Group
• Mark Grywacheski
• Vandemore Funeral Homes
• Vorac Pharmacy
• Trackside Liquors
• B & B Lawn Equipment
• In-A-Gooda-Da-Vida Music
• Tyson Fresh Meats
• Central School House
• Geneseo Home Furnishings
• Erdman Construction
• Sheilah Wigant-McGee

Committee Members: Brandon Maeglin, David Smith, April Davis, Christina Heald, Angie Snook, Sheilah Wigant-McGee, Katie Kutsunis, Ben Young, John Puentes, Jessica Reece, Zack Sullivan

Phase one Mural

Michael Clark (Aledo, IL) of the well-known Walldogs community has led this first mural project through to completion. His interpretation of Historical Downtown Geneseo is a notable inititation piece for this project. If you haven’t seen the finished product, be sure to stop at the corner of First and State Street in downtown Geneseo.

The horse fountain pictured in the mural still exists today and can be found behind the Geneseo Historical Museum at 205 S. State Street!

Questions? Want to sponsor the project? Interested in being hired as an artist for a future mural? Contact the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce at 309-944-2686, or geneseo@geneseo.org!

WALL MURALS ARE AN ART FORM THAT IS KNOWN AND UNDERSTOOD AROUND THE WORLD. GENESEO COMMUNITY MURALS WILL PROVIDE A WAY FOR PEOPLE TO PUBLICLY CELEBRATE, SHARE, AND SHOWCASE OUR TOWN’S PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE. GENESEO RESIDENTS AND VISITORS ALIKE WILL ENJOY THESE COLORFUL REMINDERS AND PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES FOR MANY YEARS TO COME.