ALEDO, Illinois – Work is well underway on a new mural in downtown Aledo that will be part of an initiative celebrating the State of Illinois alongside America’s 250th birthday.
Busy at work is a young artist Madeline Dieters, who was selected by The Windborn Group and Quad City Arts to paint the public mural on the south side of 112 E. Main Street. Just 19 years old, Ms. Dieters already has an impressive portfolio of large-scale public artworks. She began the mural about a week ago and is expected to complete it for a public unveiling on Friday, July 3.
The Marion, Illinois, woman was recently announced as the mural’s artist by The Windborn Group, a real estate development and community revitalization organization, and Quad City Arts. In a joint news release, the supporters said the mural is part of their shared commitment – along with other community partners – to invest in public spaces that inspire civic pride, encourage cultural tourism and create meaningful connections between people and place.
The Aledo work also is part of a statewide initiative celebrating Illinois in 2026 and funded through the Illinois Arts Council’s America’s 250th Public Art Grant. In fact, Quad City Arts was one of only 20 Regional Arts Partners selected to participate in the invitation-only program.
The Windborn Group, founded by Aledo native W.J. Albertson, was the driving force behind the renovation and rebirth of the historic Aledo Opera House in 2025 and other economic development projects.
Mural subjects
The mural’s design honors two influential female artists with ties to this Mercer County city. They include: Gertrude Abercrombie, the celebrated surrealist painter often referred to as the “Queen of the Bohemian Artists,” and Doris Lee, whose paintings captured scenes of everyday American life and earned national recognition throughout the 20th century.
“Thankful for the partnership with Quad City Arts and the State of Illinois in celebrating the history of visual arts in our community with this mural featuring two prominent Aledo artists,” Mr. Albertson said in the release.
By highlighting the accomplishments of Ms. Abercrombie and Ms. Lee, the mural celebrates the artistic contributions of Illinois women while connecting local history to a broader story of creativity and cultural impact, the release said.
Community members are invited to see the completed artwork revealed on July 3 in conjunction with Aledo’s Independence Day celebrations. More details will be released soon.
