URBANA, IL (Chambana Today) — New details are helping clarify the timeline and selection process for a proposed mural on the east-facing wall of the Tiernan Building in downtown Urbana.
During the Tuesday, April 14 meeting of the Arts & Culture Commission, officials outlined a multi-year process that has led to the current stage of the նախագ project.
According to the discussion, the initiative began several years ago when 40 North issued a call for artists. Between 15 and 20 artists submitted applications. Selection criteria included ties to Illinois or the local community, demonstrated experience with large-scale outdoor murals, and the ability to work using a lift.
From that pool, Kelly White of 40 North and Olivia Jovine narrowed the field to five finalists. Members of the Arts & Culture Commission were then asked to rank the artists by preference.
The results produced a tie for the top position between Alixandra Jade and Langston Allston. Rankings for second and third place were inconclusive.
City officials now plan to establish a Mural Review Committee to move the project forward. The committee will include the mayor of Urbana, two City Council members, the Tiernan Building owner, two Arts & Culture Commissioners, a representative from 40 North, and a member of the city’s Community Development Department.
This group will consider the Commission’s recommendations and work with a selected artist to begin developing a mural design. Coordination with downtown business owners and public stakeholders is also expected to ensure alignment on the project’s vision.
At this stage, no final artist has been selected, and no design has been approved. If the process continues as outlined, painting on the mural could begin as early as July or September.