A man looks over Option 8 during an art viewing on Wednesday, May 8, at the Rozz-Tox in Rock Island. The 10 works of art on display at the Rock Island business are the finalists for two large-scale wall murals that will be created in Rock Island’s Arts Alley. CREDIT DAVE THOMPSON
Some of the proposed murals showed birds and boys in flight. Others showed butterflies, hawks, flowers and elephants. All showed lots of color and garnered many fans Wednesday night, May 8, at the Rozz-Tox, 2108 3rd Ave., Rock Island. The 10 works of art on display at the Rock Island business are the finalists for […]
Some of the proposed murals showed birds and boys in flight. Others showed butterflies, hawks, flowers and elephants. All showed lots of color and garnered many fans Wednesday night, May 8, at the Rozz-Tox, 2108 3rd Ave., Rock Island.The 10 works of art on display at the Rock Island business are the finalists for two large-scale wall murals that will be created in Rock Island’s Arts Alley.
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Quad Citians review art samples during a viewing on Wednesday, May 8, at the Rozz-Tox in Rock Island. The 10 works of art on display there are the finalists for two large-scale wall murals that will be created in Rock Island’s Arts Alley. CREDIT DAVE THOMPSON
A man and girl look over art on Wednesday, May 8, at the Rozz-Tox in Rock Island. The 10 works of art on display at the Rock Island business are the finalists for murals that will be created in Rock Island’s Arts Alley. CREDIT DAVE THOMPSON
Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms, left, was one of the people looking over art on Wednesday. CREDIT DAVE THOMPSON
This is Option 7 of the artwork finalists.
This is Option 6 of the artwork finalists.
This is Option 1 of the artwork finalists.
This is Option 10 of the artwork finalists.
This is Option 5 of the artwork finalists.
This is Option 4 of the artwork finalists.
This is Option 2 of the artwork finalists.
This is Option 3 of the artwork finalists.
This is Option 9 of the artwork finalists.
This is Option 8 of the artwork finalists.
Arts Alley, a pedestrian gateway connecting the riverfront and downtown business district in the 1700 block of Second Avenue, is one of the public spaces undergoing a transformation. It’s part of the Rock Island’s $8.7 million Rebuild Downtown Rock Island project. Combined, the two murals will span 4,000 square feet of wall space and account for one of the largest public art projects in Rock Island’s history.“They are all so vibrant and colorful. … They show different aspects of Rock Island,” said Kevin Maynard, executive director of Quad City Arts, as he looked at the proposed murals.More than 400 artists responded to a request for qualifications issued by Quad City Arts in January. By March, the list was narrowed to about 130 artists based on qualifications.The Rock Island Downtown Alliance and Quad City Arts worked closely with building owners in Arts Alley, downtown stakeholders and the city’s Arts & Beautification Commission to select 10 finalists, who later submitted proposals for the walls.If everything goes according to plan, two mural winners will be selected this week and the artists will be notified on Friday, May 10. Mr. Maynard said it will take the artists anywhere from 10 to 21 days to finish the murals, and the art will be finished around mid June."These artists have extensive experience, having created murals nationally and internationally. Public art should reflect the community that it is in, and to do that we need our community to come out and be involved in this process,” he said in a news statement before Wednesday’s art viewing.Many residents got involved in the art-selection process on Wednesday. In fact, dozens were reviewing the artworks – and making their votes for the two winners – before the event’s official 6 p.m. start time.As voters arrived at Rozz-Tox, they were given a small strip of paper that contained three small circular stickers to cast their votes. A green sticker placed on artwork showed the voter’s choice for first place; a yellow sticker for second place; and a blue sticker for third. Within 30 minutes of the start of the viewing, all 10 artworks had at least several stickers attached.“It’s a tough decision. There’s a lot of good art here. … I haven’t decided yet on my favorites. I still have all my stickers,” said Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms as he looked over the displayed art.Another art lover at the event was Jessie Codling, who liked what he was seeing. “I’m just taking it all in right now. … This definitely shows the strength of the arts community in the Quad Cities,” he said.Early in the evening, Mr. Codling was still looking over the art and trying to pick his favorites. But he said he was leaning toward the artwork labeled Option 7. “I love Option 7. … it's so free,” he said.That piece showed a woman looking at a boy and several birds in flight. The information about Option 7 said “This mural embodies the essence of Quad Cities and Rock Island, depicting a vibrant community dedicated to cultivating a brighter future and leaving enduring legacies. At its heart, a nurturing and protective mother figure impairs wisdom, guidance, and leadership to the children under her care, symbolized by both the young child and birds soaring overhead.”A few of the other options on display were:
Option 10 which shows a colorful scene of butterflies and flowers. The information about it said: “Inspired by the Quad Cities’ Monarch Rescue Team’s notable conservation efforts, and Rock Island’s location, which is situated directly along the migratory route of the butterflies. This design incorporates purple cone flowers, which are native to the region.”
Option 6 which shows a woman’s face surrounded by colorful flowers. The information said: “Daydream – A creation made specifically for the space and location. A woman stares into the sky, draped in an array of flowers, symbolizing the beauty found in seasonal change. Upon a closer look, you’ll notice the Quad City logo found within the woman’s earring”
Option 1 which shows two hands embraced and surrounded by colorful images. The information reads: “Throughout history there has been a need to discuss the crucial subject of what an equitable future looks like. Some envision this as an uprising, a direct and at times confrontational response to injustice; others envision long and drawn out planning for change that is both intensely incremental and monumental, at once. ”
Option 3 which shows a herd of elephants and several birds. The information said: “While African elephants may not be found in the Quad Cities, they represent community, gathering and spending time with neighbors, which we thought lent itself to the idea of Arts Alley. The elephants and birds are also something different in the area for viewers to enjoy and will make for a unique landmark.”
Jack Cullen, executive director of the Rock Island Downtown Alliance, said in a news release before the Wednesday event: “This is a great opportunity for our community to help shape the future look and feel of downtown.”He added “We’re proud to host this event at Rozz-Tox in partnership with Quad City Arts and the City of Rock Island, and we hope the community is just as excited about this level of investment in such a unique shared space.”Input gathered from the Wednesday event will aid the final selection process. Data will be reviewed at a special Arts & Beautification Commission meeting at 5:30 p.m. today, Thursday, May 9, at Rock Island City Hall.Other planned improvements to Arts Alley this spring and summer include a decorative walkway, lighting and signage; space for social gatherings and performances; space for seasonal pop-up shop programs; and additional art installations.Total budget for the improvements to Arts Alley is just over $534,000, with half of the project being funded by a $267,000 State of Illinois Tourism Attractions grant. The City of Rock Island is primarily funding the remaining costs with a combination of Downtown Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District funds and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
