Freeport Art Museum - Illinois 250 America Mural Unveiling

{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Event", "name": "Freeport Art Museum - Illinois 250 America Mural Unveiling", "image": "https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/isp/FAM Mural event post?ts=1786481973456&$EventComponent$&wid=870", "startDate": "2026-09-12T17:00:00.000", "endDate": "2026-09-12T21:00:00.000", "description": "In Freeport, Illinois, a significant addition to the city’s public art landscape will be unveiled as part of this year's Illinois 250 celebrations. The mural, titled "United We Create," will be revealed on September 12, 2026, at the Freeport Art Museum Plaza. This community-driven project celebrates Freeport's rich history while envisioning a unified future. The mural's creation engaged local youth and community members in a collaborative design process, making it a vibrant testament to shared civic values and historical narratives. The mural is the work of lead artist Ben Swords, a lifelong resident of Freeport, known for his deep community ties and artistic expertise. Holding a Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design and a Master of Arts in teaching, Swords currently educates in the Freeport School District. He has been instrumental in facilitating storytelling workshops and art sessions, ensuring that the mural reflects the community's diverse voices and historical narratives. Located on the public plaza of the Freeport Art Museum, the mural will serve as a long-term cultural landmark, fostering dialogue and learning. The unveiling event on September 12 will coincide with the "Freedom on the Rocks" celebration, starting at 5:00 p.m., with the mural presentation at 7:00 p.m. The evening will include live music, an All-American cookout, and the museum's annual Cultural Leadership Awards presentation. With support from the Illinois Arts Council and the Foundation for Northwest Illinois, this project not only honors Freeport's past but also looks forward to a future of unity and creativity. ", "location": [ { "@type": "VirtualLocation", "name": "Visit the Freeport Art Museum for details", "url": "https://www.freeportartmuseum.com/" },{ "@type": "Place", "name": "Freeport Art Museum", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "121 North Harlem Avenue", "addressLocality": "Freeport", "addressRegion": "Illinois", "postalCode": "61032" } },] }