Works of art

Rochelle becoming known for downtown designs

Andrew Heiserman
Posted 5/14/19

Whether it is a larger than life Marilyn Monroe or some cute sidewalk art, residents and visitors may notice several beautiful new murals popping up in downtown Rochelle.

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Works of art

Rochelle becoming known for downtown designs

Posted

ROCHELLE — Whether it is a larger than life Marilyn Monroe or some cute sidewalk art, residents and visitors may notice several beautiful new murals popping up in downtown Rochelle.
In an effort to beautify the downtown district and increase foot traffic, city officials are encouraging artists to hand paint colorful murals on walls and sidewalks throughout the downtown.
On Monday, Ben Spriggs spent the day painting a sidewalk mural on the northwest corner of Lincoln Highway and Fourth Avenue.
“I am just painting a squirrel holding onto some corn,” explained Spriggs, a resident and local artist. “My parents asked me to paint some murals across town, to help spruce it up.”

The designs range from Hollywood icons like Marilyn Monroe and Elvis greeting incoming traffic on Lincoln Highway to local historical figures and smaller original designs created by the artists themselves.
“This is a very exciting time for downtown Rochelle with the new distillery and the murals,” expressed Jennie Thompson, City of Rochelle Marketing and Tourism Director. ““We definitely have more plans in the works for a couple new things coming soon.”