aledo mural: request for qualifications
The Windborn Group and Quad City Arts, with support from the Illinois Arts Council in celebration of America at 250, are seeking an Illinois-based artist for the design and installation of a public mural in Aledo, Illinois. The mural will be on the south-facing wall of the building at 114 E. Main St. in historic downtown Aledo. This mural will serve as a public record of the history of Illinois’s creativity and values and show how art can energize local economics and deepen our sense of place across Illinois.
In the spirit of the 250th, this mural project seeks to honor the history of Aledo and Mercer County, specifically of the rich artistic heritage of artists Gertrude Abercrombie or Doris Lee, both of whom have ties to Aledo. The mural could incorporate the artists themselves, or use their themes, colors, and motifs to honor their contributions to the art world at large.
This mural project is jointly undertaken by Quad City Arts and the Windborn Group. Quad City Arts acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council.
MEASUREMENTS
The paintable surface of the wall is approximately: 24’ W x 18’ H. Photos are attached at the end of the document.
TIMELINE
April 21-April 25, 2026: Qualifications reviewed, 3 finalists selected. Finalists will be asked to submit a proposal of the planned mural. Finalists to receive $500 stipend.
May 15, 2026: Final designs submitted and selected. Selected artist to meet with mural selection committee to go over design, logistics, timeline, and budget.
June 2025: mural completed, subject to weather*
This timeline will be agreed upon with the building owner and the artist, and weather pending.
Targeted completion deadline of July 2, with a proposed dedication ceremony on July 3, 2026.