IVCC Alumni Create Centennial Mural Celebrating College's History for Local Community

Morgan Phillips and Emily Maze, Illinois Valley Community College (IVCC) alumni, are working on a mural to mark the college's centennial. The 10 feet by 20 feet mural is being painted on an aluminum substrate and will be placed above the C-Building entrance at IVCC. The artwork aims to represent the history of the college, from its origins at LaSalle-Peru High School to its current location in Oglesby.

Ray Paseka, founder of Westclox Studios in Mendota, conceived the mural. Paseka's portfolio includes public art that illustrates Cherry's coal history and Streator's Heritage Park streetscape. Phillips and Maze have previously collaborated with Paseka on projects showcasing Mendota's railroad history and Seneca's shipbuilding and transportation heritage.

The mural will be displayed in a gallery that will be seen by students, parents, alumni, high school tours, incoming freshmen, theater attendees, and campus visitors. Paseka hopes the mural will leave a memorable impression on its viewers. He believes it will positively influence the many young people who will see it.

Maze and Phillips are both advocates for public art. Maze, inspired by the Chicago Cows Parade, enjoys the tangible results of her creative work. Phillips shares this sentiment, stating, 'It's rewarding to see people take pride in their community. Rural Illinois has more to offer than some might think.'

While both artists are currently focused on art, they have varied interests. Maze, a French horn player in the Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra, studied tourism and parks administration. Phillips, who is pursuing a political career, studied industrial design. They both appreciate the historical knowledge they gain from their mural work, despite occasional melancholy about the passage of time.

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