Fox River Grove looking to spice up downtown with mural

Fox River Grove might get its first downtown mural this summer if sponsors step up to make the initiative possible.

The village plans to ask students of the American Academy of Art in Chicago to participate in a contest to paint a decorative mural along Route 14, said Michael Schiestel, a member of the village’s planning and economic development commission. The winner will be selected by members of the planning commission and the village board, Schiestel said.

The mural will features themes related to Fox River Grove’s past, present or future, and major sponsors can have a small logo within the design, he said.

Creating the mural on the wall of El Sombrero Mexican restaurant would equate to a full-time job for up to two months, Schiestel said. The artwork will be done by one or two students, and the village wants to secure $3,000 per student, he said.

The idea of beautifying downtown with murals first came up a couple of months ago during a planning and economic development commission brainstorming session. Commission member Rich Lauritsen proposed involving the American Academy of Art, his alma mater, Schiestel said.

“It’s an exciting idea, and a lot of people want to pitch in,” Schiestel said.

Leader Ace Hardware in Fox River Grove will donate paint and brushes, and resident Kevin Masukevich, president of Chicago-based Majestic Masonry, will donate the scaffolding and prep the wall, Schiestel said.

Masukevich said he is looking into hiring the art students as interns so they can get temporary insurance. “I think it’s a great idea for Fox River Grove to bring some kind of cultural, artistic expression,” he said. “Anything to spice it up a little.”

If the first mural is successful, the village might tackle a second downtown mural next year, Schiestel said.

Anyone interested in contributing can write checks to the Village of Fox River Grove (make a note it’s for the FRG Downtown Murals Fund) and mail them to Village Hall, 305 Illinois St., Fox River Grove IL 60021. For more information, call Village Administrator Art Osten at (847) 639-3170.