Capturing our memories

The whimsical folk art paintings of artist Jack Musich already grace the walls of the Peoples' Bank of Arlington Heights. Now, they headline a calendar, published by bank officials that promote village landmarks.

Bank officers already have handed out more than 1,000 of the free calendars, including at Autumn Harvest and the Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, and at an event designed to celebrate Arlington Heights at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library on Sunday.

Another shipment of the calendars came in this week to the bank located at 10 S. Vail Ave. in Arlington Heights.

Each month features bright vibrant renderings of such landmarks as the old Arlington High School, the 1929 Tudor-style building at Vail Avenue and Davis Street, and the Hagenbring building, as well as their actual black-and-white photos, and a brief description.

The calendar includes Musich's latest painting, of Arlington Park, as well as some landmarks that no longer exist, but conjure up vivid memories of days gone by, including of Meyer's Pond, the old Union Hotel, and the original Peoples' State Bank.

"We thought the calendars were a good way to introduce our new facility," says Mary Anne Flynn, Peoples' Bank vice president.

Earlier this year, bank officials began construction on their second site, a drive-up facility at 1104 S. Arlington Heights Road in Arlington Heights, where the former Masonic building once stood.

Already, they have commissioned Musich to paint a rendering of the new building, and now they are hoping the good feelings conjured up by his folk art extends to their local banking.

"Everything about his paintings is so colorful," Flynn adds. "They've brought back a lot of memories for people, and just made everyone feel so good. He's the Norman Rockwell of Arlington Heights."

That comes as music to the ears of Musich, who retired as a commercial artist in 1999, to start his second career doing fine art commissioned work.

"Before I die, I'll have painted all of Arlington Heights," Musich quips. "No, it's been a pleasure, a real joy."