ROCHELLE — Rochelle VFW Post 3878 has commissioned a new mural on the back of its building and work started on May 27. The mural will be painted by local artist Mat Steder of Steder Tattoo and will depict a bald eagle, an American Flag, service members and the post’s name.
Steder was recently approached by VFW Commander Dennis Orlikowski during a tattoo session, who asked him if he’d be interested in painting a mural. Steder painted a mural in the downtown area in recent years on the back of the former Hub City Furniture building. He was interested in the new project and soon brought a design that was approved by the VFW’s board.
“I'm always looking for murals,” Steder said. “This one just hit the spot. It's really cool. The initial design I had was just the eagle and the flag and it stopped right at the door. I scrapped a little bit of that idea and wanted to incorporate the service members, the men and women that served and didn't come home. For the members and family members involved in the VFW, I thought it'd be really neat to incorporate silhouetted service members walking in a field. For people that lost loved ones in war, they could stand up next to them because they'll be life sized. It could be whoever they want it to be standing next to them. That was my inspiration. It gave me chills.”
Steder blocked off three weeks of his tattoo schedule to complete the mural and hopes to have it finished by mid-June. He enjoys taking time off from his tattoo schedule to take on other work to challenge himself.
Steder started with the bald eagle portrait, which he believes will be the most difficult portion. After using a projector for the last mural he completed alongside his sister, Mandey, he decided to freehand the VFW’s mural. Steder does a lot of patriotic tattoos in his tattoo shop.
“I wanted to challenge myself and look at a reference point and see if I can freehand it on a wall,” Steder said. “I will feel more accomplished if I can do it freehand this time. I wanted to take this project on because it just means a lot. I didn't serve, but it's the least I can do for all who did. If it wasn't for them I wouldn't be doing this. None of us would be doing anything. They made the ultimate sacrifice. And I get to paint on a wall. I'm honored to do it.”
More mural work may be in store for Steder in the future, as he enjoys doing it. He’s excited to do more realism-style painting. He’s available for the work if that’s what businesses or entities are interested in.
Steder wants the mural to mean more than just the themes of patriotism and America.
“In my mind I was thinking more of a tribute to the lost service men and women,” Steder said. “It's America-themed. But to me it goes a lot deeper than that. I haven't lost anybody, but a lot of families have. If this could bring even an ounce of comfort for them to see this and reminisce and take a picture, then my job is done.”
Steder thanked his wife and kids and the rest of his family for their support as he puts in long days of work on the mural. He also thanked Rochelle Ace Hardware for its assistance with getting his paint and supplies for the mural, and Tim Bruns for allowing use of his scissor lift. He’s grateful to the VFW for putting its faith in him and to past, present and future military members for their service.
Impactful community work and leaving his mark brings special meaning to Steder. His father, Ron, was an active community member with a business that beared his name in Steder Trucking and he sponsored Little League teams.
“That’s why my business has the name it does,” Steder said. “The best way I found to honor him was through my business and doing things like this to beautify the community. I think a lot about him, especially when I’m doing things like this. He’s always on my shoulder. Every day.”
