Macomb, IL – Chicago artist Sheryl Nieman has created the mural that will greet visitors as they walk into the new Spoon River College Campus in Macomb. The decorative art is done in an abstract style and the brilliantly colored landscape imitates a stained-glass window. “The intention of the piece is to engage and draw a person into the community, and mimicking a stained-glass effect accentuates the atrium feeling of the room,” Nieman said.
From start to finish, the piece took four months to complete, and Nieman said the actual painting took her two months to complete. After being transported in several pieces to the college, it was hung in one day by Nieman and three carpenters.
“It was my aim to use value as a way to infuse light into the piece similar to an actual stained-glass window, while also creating an element of surprise through pops of color. The landscape subject matter was chosen as a way to symbolize the timeless theme of inspiring a world of possibilities, a beautiful future using one’s education to make a difference.”
Nieman has been painting and teaching art around the world for more than 25 years, and her work can be found in both residential and commercial spaces. She specializes in murals/branding, mosaics, fine art, and pour paintings. You can view more of her artwork at SherylNiemanArt
The painting was commissioned through the Art-in-Architecture program, created by the Illinois General Assembly as part of the Capital Development Board in 1977, which requires a piece of art to adorn any public building undergoing a major renovation or construction using state funds. Artists are selected and commissions are awarded based upon the recommendation of the Fine Arts Review Committee, representing the Client Agency, designing architecture firm, Illinois Art Council, and the Illinois State Museum. The works of art that have been created through the program create a permanent art collection for the people of the state of Illinois.
Spoon River College is hosting a ribbon-cutting for the new campus on Wednesday, September 3, at 3 p.m. The campus is located at 2500 East Jackson Street.
