Murals

Utility Box Murals

Urbana's Urbana Utility Box Mural Program launched by the City of Urbana's Arts and Culture Program invites the vibrant work of local artists to be installed on select utility boxes throughout the city--turning the ordinary into extraordinary works of art.

The full collection of Urbana Utility Box Murals include: GREENHOUSE II by Megan Hind; CONVERGENT EVOLUTION by EKAH; GUILT TRIP by BLACKMAU; and QUIET MEND 3 by Lisa Kesler:

Murals on Glass

Murals on Glass is a public art initiative that displays local artists’ work on windows throughout downtown Urbana. Each artwork chosen is reproduced by the city of Urbana in adhesive vinyl and adhered to these windows. The project aims to integrate art into our urban environment, beautify and improve our city streetscape, and enrich the lives of Urbana residents and visitors.

2021 Murals on Glass Selection: "Reef" by Jen Gibas

On Tuesday, October 5th, Urbana Arts and Culture Program and Commission celebrated local artist Jen Gibas and her piece "Reef" displayed on the front windows of the Urbana Park District's Indoor Aquatic Center. Visit the Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center located within Urbana Middle School (102 E Michigan Ave, Urbana, IL 61801) from 5:30pm-6:30pm for a reception and ribbon-cutting.

“Public art and the appeal it has for our community is very valuable to the Urbana Park District. We’re pleased to add a new mural on glass to the collection of public art featured at district parks and facilities, “ said Superintendent of Recreation Corky Emberson. “We’re lucky to have such talented local artists and a great partnership with the City of Urbana. Pool visitors of all ages will love the bright colors and exciting patterns of this piece.”

"Reef" is a meditation on the magic of underwater landscapes, and its aim is to take viewers to a place of wonder, especially in this time when we can't do much physical traveling. Selected artist Jen Gibas is a medical illustrator and animator who works at the University of Illinois. She currently creates online course animations about anatomy and physiology for the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Urbana Arts and Culture Program is home to a wide variety of public arts initiatives and programs. “Murals on Glass helps install artworks in large-scale on our City’s buildings, transforming the local landscape,” said Arts and Culture Coordinator, Rachel Storm, “Art is a critical part of what makes a community. Our mission is to ensure Urbana is a city where arts and culture thrive.”

Celebrating its 13th anniversary, the Urbana Arts and Culture Program and Commission was established by the City Council in April 2008. To learn more about ongoing initiatives, visit www.urbanaillinois.us/arts.