The Moline Public Art Commission has reached Down Under to bring in an international artist for its new Leading Light public art project planned next to the Q Multimodal Station.
Nick Athanasiou of the Australia-based creative studio Skunk Control has been selected to lead the project. The new interactive public art will be installed in downtown Moline at 1311-1315 4th Ave., adjacent to the Q future train station.
As part of the project, Mr. Athanasiou will visit Moline from Tuesday to Friday, May 5-8, to conduct workshops and community engagement sessions to offer residents an opportunity to connect with him and contribute to the installation’s design.
Leading Light is led by the Moline Public Art Commission, in partnership with the City of Moline, MetroLINK and Quad City Arts. The project is expected to be completed late this summer.
During his visit, Mr. Athanasiou also will lead workshops at local schools and community sites to help the community learn more about the project and its design.
Participants also will create miniature works of art to be incorporated into the full installation this July.
The workshops, which are free and open to the public, will be at 6 p.m. on these days:
- Tuesday, May 5, at the Moline Public Library, 3210 41st St.
- Thursday, May 7 at Quad City Arts, 1712 2nd Ave., Rock Island.
Art-making activities are designed for ages 8-108, though all are welcome to attend. Community contributions will help shape the final installation.
Organizations interested in hosting an engagement event with the artist can contact Quad City Arts Events Coordinator Ben Gougeon at [email protected] or (309) 793-1213 ext. 100.
Tapestry features
The installation, titled Tapestry, will include the tower for the pedestrian sky bridge. The work will feature two primary elements:
- Seven to nine large-scale wild geranium sculptures along 4th Avenue.
- A transformed tower façade with 3D flowers and butterflies.
In a news release, the art commission said the geraniums will cast shifting colors and shadows throughout the day, while integrated LED lighting will illuminate both elements at night. Inspired by native Illinois species and Moline’s Bee City USA designation, the design creates a vibrant, light-based experience that evolves from day to night, transforming the transit area into a welcoming, interactive public space.
The collaboration was formalized in October 2024 through an intergovernmental agreement between the City of Moline and MetroLINK, which will share the costs. Quad City Arts serves as project manager, supporting artist selection, coordination and installation.
Identified as a priority project in Moline’s 2021 Public Art and Placemaking Plan, the Leading Light Project’s request for qualifications attracted more than 250 competing artists in December 2024.
After the selection process, three finalists were invited to submit full design proposals. Two artists ultimately presented their concepts to the commission, including representatives from MetroLINK and Quad City Arts. In October 2025, Mr. Athanasiou of Skunk Control, based in Victoria, Australia, was unanimously approved by a 6-0 vote of the Moline Public Art Commission.
Skunk Control is a Melbourne-based creative collective founded in 2012, known for its multidisciplinary approach to public art. Comprised of scientists, engineers and educators, the team draws on diverse expertise to create immersive works that explore the intersection of art, science and technology. It is led by founder and creative director Mr. Athanasiou, who holds a doctorate in chemistry. For more information, visit https://www.skunkcontrol.com.au/.
