PEORIA, Ill. (25 News) – Two large-scale vinyl art installations were officially unveiled Wednesday in the Skylight Lobby of the Peoria Civic Center, showcasing the work of Central Illinois artists as part of the ongoing Sky Art Peoria Initiative.
The Peoria Civic Center partnered with Arts Partners’ Sky Art Peoria Initiative to introduce both artworks to the public. The event celebrated the designs’ efforts to expand artistic expression in metropolitan spaces.
For Peoria native Patrick Brennan, the unveiling marked a milestone in his artistic journey. His piece, The River City, grew out of a renewed appreciation for his hometown after time spent living in Colorado. Brennan credits walks along the river valley for shaping his vision.
“I think artists can be a little insecure in their art sometimes,” Brennan said. “So this is something that I think is validating and proud and being part of the community and having so many people in such a public place really just makes me feel so proud and a part of the community a little bit more than I was before. So I’m really happy.”
Sharing the lobby walls is a piece by 13-year-old artist Rashmi Kannamalla. Her work, Be Different, Be You, uses mushrooms of varying shapes and sizes to advocate for diversity and unity.
“Even though all the mushrooms on my painting are different with different colors, shapes… they all fall in the same category as mushrooms,” Kannamalla said. “That’s the same with us. We all look different, come from different religions. And we’re all still people.”
Her parents surprised her with the news of her selection. Civic Center officials said they hope the additions remind every visitor of the creative community in Central Illinois.
Both installations are now on permanent display at the Peoria Civic Center.
(Reporting by Kayla Johnson, 25 News)
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