The Murals of Ottawa, IL

Experience the history of Ottawa through fascinating artwork.

Developed by the public art program, Ottaw's A Brush with History, these murals help revitalize Ottawa's downtown and create a cultural attraction for tourists and residents of the community. These murals are aesthetically pleasing, but they also focus on figures or events that shaped Ottawa's history, including local industry, prominent citizens, or the creation of major improvements in the area. To date, 10 murals have been completed. 

These murals are made possible by a grant throught the National Endowment for the Arts and vetted by Chicago Art Institute. 

DAY OF THE GREAT DEBATE

Artist - Don Gray
Location - La Salle St & W Jackson St

GENERAL W.H.L WALLACE

Designed and Painted by - G. Byron Peck
Location - 815 LaSalle Street

HISTORY OF COMMUNICATIONS

Artist - Tim Trumbo
Location - 216 W. Lafayette Street

IMAGINE & LEARN WITH BOB McGRATH

Designed and Painted by - Vicki Crone
Location - 1709 Columbus Street

OTTAWA AS A CANAL TOWN

Designed and Painted by - Gregory Ackers
Location - 909 Clinton Street

OTTAWA'S EARLIEST RESIDENTS

Designed and Painted by - Roger Cooke Finae Arts
Location - 812 La Salle Street

PELTIER GLASS FACTORY

Designed and Painted by - E. Colin Williams and Murals by Jericho
Location - LaSalle and Jefferson Street

REVOLUTION

Artist - John Pugh
Location - Southside of Central Building: 628 - 630 Columbus Street

STREETSCAPE REFLECTIONS

Designed and Painted by - Joshua Winer
Location - LaSalle and Madison Street - Northeast Corner

OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Artist - Thomas Melvin
Location - First National Bank