Murals, Art, & More

Murals and Art in Arcola

Promoting the Growth of the Arcola Community

Promoting the Growth of the Arcola Community

The Wall Dogs Murals

During the week of June 20-24, 2012, over 130 artists from across the United States as well as Canada, New Zealand, Scotland and Australia descended upon Arcola, leaving behind 15 historic murals. Known as the Walldogs, the loose affiliation of sign painters, graphic artists, and other talented individuals reunite annually to entertain and transform a community with their special brand of artistic interpretation, entertainment, and friendship.

A local steering committee referred to as the “Arcola Beautification Committee” had been working with Walldog leader Scott “Cornbread” Lindley since 2010 to coordinate the meet, raise funds to support the project, and develop the themes that made Arcola’s heritage amazing. Cornbread assembled his team of rock star project leaders to design and manage each mural topic. Included in the line-up was Nancy Bennett, the founder and creator of the Walldog Public Art group, veteran painters from Illinois including Michael Clark as well as Mike Meyer and Dave Correll from Minnesota.

The Sweeping Beauties of Arcola

Twelve brightly illustrated oversized brooms are about to be scattered around historic downtown Arcola. Reminiscent of Chicago's painted cows of a few years ago, Arcola has adopted the slogan, "Come see our Sweeping Beauties" to entice the public to come see our whimsically themed brooms designed and executed by talented artists.

Arcola's new Sweeping Beauties include
  • Broom at the Top by DL and Bernie Gietl 
  • America's Broom Town by Michael Clark
  • Broom Service by De Ingles
  • That's What Happens When You Sweep Around by Gayla Schuett
  • Broom With a View by Carol Kauffman
  • Home Sweep Home by Scott Lindley
  • Broom Where You're Planted by Jane Diaz
  • Lincoln Swept Here by Bob Sear
  • Broomsday Scenario by John Ingles
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