February 2, 2005

Shimer College and Waukegan Public Library Collaborate on Mural Project    

The students and staff of ShimerCollege and representatives of the Waukegan Public Library invite the public to the first planning meeting of a project to design and paint a mural on the Library during Spring 2005. This project is being undertaken in conjunction with a course taught by Shimer faculty member Stuart Patterson on murals during Spring 2005.

The first meeting will take place in the Shimer Gym/Auditorium on Friday, February 4 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. The purpose of this meeting is to gather comments from the public on possible themes for the mural, and to discuss the process whereby the mural will be designed and painted. Public discussion will follow a short presentation by Stuart Patterson of ShimerCollege.

Much of the process will include working with individuals and groups outside the Shimer community, including other area artists, Public Library staff, school groups, the City of Waukegan, and the Waukegan Cultural Arts Committee. Members of the class will study the social, political and aesthetic history of mural art and its production in the U.S. and abroad. A number of field trips are planned to view area murals and public art.