April 30, 2024 – Corn and soybeans grow high in Central Illinois, but not nearly as high as part of a new mural at Children’s Museum of Illinois.
The agriculture-themed mural resides in the east stairwell of the Museum and runs floor to ceiling, with big, bright colors bringing larger than life crops to vivid life. It was designed and painted by artist Phil Murillo, with an assist in painting by artist Alec Goss.
The project was partially supported by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Illinois Arts Council Agency, and the Decatur Area Arts Council. Additional project support came from the Amherst Hardy Foundation.
“I absolutely love working with [the Children’s Museum],” said Murillo. “Being given an opportunity like this, to produce a mural in a space like this, as an artist it really means a lot.”
Murillo graduated from Fresno State with a degree in Advertising Design, and worked for years designing and installing signs in California before moving to Central Illinois. He has been working with the Children’s Museum education team, led by Jami Fawley, for the past year as an instructor for various programs.
Children’s Museum of Illinois is open regularly Tuesdays through Saturdays 9:30am to 4:30 pm, and Sundays Noon to 4:30pm.
Check out the photos below.
