WHEATON, Ill. – Visitors to Wheaton’s Dickens of a Christmas Holiday Lighted Parade can see another sight in addition to all the lights this year. During the event on Nov. 27, the City will be displaying three new murals created by Wheaton students to honor Wheaton’s 150th anniversary.
Three of four murals created by students from Wheaton North High School, Wheaton Warrenville South High School, Wheaton Academy and St. Francis High School will be featured in Martin Plaza, which is located at Main and Front streets. Mayor Michael Gresk will unveil the murals before the tree lighting ceremony at about 5:30 p.m. Nov. 27.
Wheaton’s Sesquicentennial Commission suggested the idea for students to create murals as part of the City’s 150th anniversary, and the Fine & Cultural Arts Commission lent its help to sponsor the murals. Each school depicted a different decade of Wheaton’s history with assistance from Alberta Adamson of the Center for History. Adamson provided the history and photos that were used for the collage of images. An art teacher from each school directed the students’ efforts, and professional muralist Joe O’Connor lent his expertise in teaching the students how to create the murals.
The resulting 11-foot-by-7-foot murals feature Wheaton’s founders, Red Grange and other famous figures in Wheaton’s history; the impact of trains on the city; historic buildings such as the former County courthouse; horses, and other integral elements of Wheaton’s history.
“On behalf of the Sesquicentennial Commission and the Fine & Cultural Arts Commission, we are so thrilled to have a visual portrayal of Wheaton’s history,” said Sesquicentennial Commission Member Joann Coghill. “We want to thank the art students, their teachers, Joe, the Commission and everyone who participated in making this permanent representation of Wheaton’s history.”
The Fine & Cultural Arts Commission also thanks the merchants who donated or discounted materials, including Carlson Art Supply and Framing, Block Art Materials, J.C. Licht and F.E. Wheaton.
After the parade, the murals will be featured at Wheaton Park District facilities for the community to enjoy.
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