MURAL PROJECT 2022

The Riverside Arts Center (RAC)
Mural by internationally acclaimed mural artist Collin Van Der Sluijs - 2022

The Riverside Arts Center (RAC) invites your support of a vibrant new mural by internationally acclaimed mural artist Collin Van Der Sluijs on the exterior façade of our building in the downtown business district of historic Riverside, IL. The mural will replace a faded existing mural and create an anchor piece for Riverside's downtown business district.

The design includes birds and nature, reflecting the naturalistic culture of our community. The artwork will be transformative and create an international tourist attraction that will draw visitors worldwide to downtown Riverside.

Mr. Van Der Sluijs and our team of volunteers have successfully completed public art initiatives across the globe, including two in Chicago, which have garnered international exposure and acclaim. We intend to replicate this caliber of the project in our community for RAC and the burgeoning "Quincy Street Arts District" concept that has been floated around in our community.

The Riverside Arts Center is at the heart of the arts district area, with a nearly 30-year tradition of furthering the cultural and economic vitality of the region with unique and vital arts programming. We offer this mural to augment the vibrancy and energy of our community as we shake off the effects of the pandemic. In addition, the project provides a chance to generate excitement and interest in the work of the Riverside Arts Center as we approach our 30 Anniversary Celebration in 2023.

Mr. Van Der Sluijs is an exceptionally gifted muralist. His design concept includes birds and plant life, highlighting the importance of Riverside as a critical flyway for migrating birds. The design features a red-headed woodpecker that is nearing endangerment. Mr. Van Der Sluijs' murals include painted shadows and glittering highlights that create a sense of three dimensions, powerfully bringing the birds to life.

Mr. Van Der Sluijs is a renowned painter and illustrator from Maastricht, The Netherlands, where he lives and works. He holds a master's degree in fine art from the Academy of Art and Design St. Joost in Breda. He is widely recognized for his extraordinary dream-like depictions of everyday life, and his work has been published and shown in galleries across the world.

RAC Mural Committee members:

• RAC Board members

  • Amador Valenzuela, owner of Black Book Studio

  • Joseph Fitzgerald

  • Jeremy Black, RAC Board President

• Jennifer Fournier

• Liz Chilsen, RAC Executive Director