Campus Murals Showcase

Welcome to the University of Illinois Campus Murals Showcase, where art and tradition converge in Champaign-Urbana. As we celebrate this year’s homecoming season, themed “Sweet Home Illini,” we invite you to explore our campus’s artistic treasures. Whether you’re here in person or joining us from your own sweet home, this celebration is for you. Adding to the excitement is our sesquicentennial, commemorating 150 years of tradition, excellence, and lasting relationships. This showcase embodies our rich history. Explore the art, feel the legacy, and be part of something truly remarkable.

Mural Locations 

 

  • Title – Yesterday and Today
  • Location – Alumni Center lobby
  • Year – 2020
  • Artist – Newton Alonzo Wells

 

  • Title – Arcadia
  • Location – Rotunda, North Side
  • Year – Circa 1900
  • Artist – Newton Alonzo Wells
  • Title – The Forge of Vulcan
  • Location – Rotunda, East Side
  • Year – 1897
  • Artist – Newton Alonzo Wells
  • Title – The Sacred Wood of the Muses
  • Location – Rotunda, South Side
  • Year – Circa 1900
  • Artist – Newton Alonzo Wells
  • Title – The Laboratory of Minerva
  • Location – Rotunda, West Side
  • Year – 1897
  • Artist – Newton Alonzo Wells

 

  • Title – Alma Mater Mural
  • Location – Skyline Tower (519 East Green St)
  • Year – 2022
  • Artist – Levar Hoard
  • Title – Core Champ
  • Location – Hub (812 S 6th St)
  • Year – 2023
  • Artist – Joe Miller
  • Title – Dance on Illinois
  • Location – Smile Student Living (804 Illinois St)
  • Year – 2022
  • Artist – Rafael Blanco
  • Title – Hue-man Engineering
  • Location – Smile Student Living (608 E White St)
  • Year – 2022
  • Artist – Brett Whitacre
  • Title – Marching Illini
  • Location – Smile Student Living (3rd and Daniel)
  • Year – 2023
  • Artist – Koda Witsken
  • Title – Raising Cane
  • Location – Canes on Green (411 E Green St)
  • Year – 2023
  • Title – Project 500
  • Location – Rotunda, East Side
  • Year – 2003
  • Artist – Billy Morrow Jackson
  • Title – Odyssey Project
  • Location – Rotunda, North Side
  • Year – 2022
  • Artist – Rafael Blanco
  • Title – The Four Hemispheres: Polar, Celestial, Eastern, Western
  • Location – Central Stairwell
  • Year – 1928
  • Artist – Barry Faulkner
  • Title – Elevating Voices: Visualizing Social Justice Through Art
  • Location – Central Stairwell
  • Year – 2022

This is a series of art that recognizes the need for and facilitates discussions around the complexities of racial and social justice while elevating and empowering the voices of underrepresented populations and groups. After an open call to artists, the School of Social Work has collected 8 installations to complete the series.

  • Title – Coalescing Currents
  • Location – Gallery
  • Year – 2022
  • Project Leader – Dr. Juan Salamanca

Coalescing Currents is an AR-enhanced mural project at SCD, led by Dr. Juan Salamanca, an assistant professor in graphic design. It was created by a diverse team and includes components made in the Siebel Center for Design’s shop.

  • Title – Community Ideal
  • Location – South Foyer
  • Year – 2004
  • Artist – Glen C. Davies
  • Title – La Casa
  • Location – TBD
  • Year – 1974
  • Artist – Oscar Martinez
  • TitleHand in Hand
  • Location – Hallway Walls
  • Year – Started in 1973

For decades, University Laboratory High School students have left their mark by imprinting their handprints (and occasionally footprints) on the school’s walls. This tradition began during a graffiti-inspired era when youth sought to express individuality and permanence.