Arts & Entertainment
New Mural Installed Along Lincoln HIghway
Artist Jay Allen and several Southland dignitaries installed a new mural dedicated to the history of Lincoln Highway. The new mural is located at 137 E. 14th Street, at the Chicago Heights Water Department.
Nearly four years in the making, Chicago Heights saw the installation of its newest piece of public art Friday, April 5. Located at the Chicago Heights Water Department, 137 W. 14th Street, the mural is part of a 35-piece project along more than 100 miles of Route 30 in Illinois.
“There's been 4,000 screws, untold amounts of paint and so much more. We're so close to the end now, it's really nice," said artist Jay Allen.
The mural is part of a larger project by the Illinois Lincoln Highway Coalition's Interpretive Murals program. Each mural depicts 'the history, heritage and events of the highway and its impact on the communities,' according to DriveLincolnHighway.com.
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The Chicago Heights mural is based on a historic photograph of the McEldowney Bridge where the Lincoln Highway crosses Thorn Creek.
“We wanted to tell national and local stories with this project,” said Allen. “This photo was chosen because of the significance of Lincoln Highway. Roads connect us and built America.”
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The new mural should last for several years, Allen said, before it begins to fade.
“The paint will fade over time, but it will have a nice finish to it for a while,” Allen said. “The good thing is that it's public art and hopefully, it will inspire others to do art.”
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