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April 13, 2026

������ý��Ƶ alumna Olivia Malone, ’13, has been selected to create a new large-scale art installation at Harper Hall, entitled A Place to Imagine, located at the prominent intersection of Main and University Streets, the gateway where ������ý��Ƶ’s campus meets the Peoria community.

The project is a partnership between ������ý��Ƶ, Big Picture Peoria, and the Greater Peoria Leadership Council, whose Sprint Grant program supports visible community enhancement projects that strengthen civic pride and regional identity.

Malone’s design was selected from more than 40 submissions by ������ý��Ƶ students and alumni responding to a competitive call for artists. Her bright, playful composition centers on ������ý��Ƶ founder Lydia Moss ������ý��Ƶ, surrounded by scenes that reflect the creativity, curiosity, and innovation found across both the ������ý��Ƶ campus and the Peoria community.

“This project represents the very best of ������ý��Ƶ: creativity, collaboration, and connection,” said ������ý��Ƶ President Jim Shadid. “Olivia’s work captures the spirit of Lydia Moss ������ý��Ƶ while celebrating the energy of our students and the community around our campus. As we create a new gateway at Main and University, this installation will serve as an inspiring welcome to everyone who arrives here.”

“The Greater Peoria Leadership Council is proud to support projects that strengthen the vibrancy and identity of our regional core,” said��Laura Cullinan, GPLC Advisor. “This installation will become an iconic visual landmark that reflects the creativity and collaboration that defines��both ������ý��Ƶ and��the Greater Peoria region.”

Malone, a 2013 ������ý��Ƶ graphic design graduate and creative director, said the work reflects the powerful connection between the university and the city.

“My concept is inspired by the students and future leaders of ������ý��Ƶ, the same kind of student I once was,” Malone said. “The composition flows from ������ý��Ƶ on the hill down into the city of Peoria, symbolizing how education extends beyond the classroom and into the life of the community.”

Heather Ford, Chair of the Department of Art and Design at ������ý��Ƶ, said the response to the call for artists demonstrated the strength of ������ý��Ƶ’s creative community.

“We saw an incredible range of thoughtful and imaginative submissions from our students and alumni,” Ford said. “Olivia’s concept stood out for its joyful energy and contemporary interpretation of Lydia Moss ������ý��Ƶ.”

The installation measures approximately 30 feet wide by 48 feet high and is mounted on the façade of Harper Hall, creating an iconic visual landmark at one of the most visible intersections near campus. The piece will also be lit at night, enhancing vibrancy and visibility at the newly redesigned campus gateway.

“We love projects like this because they bring people together in such a visible way,” said Eileen Leunig of Big Picture Peoria. “This installation celebrates ������ý��Ƶ, celebrates Peoria, and tells a story about how closely the university and community are connected. We think it’s going to become one of those iconic spots people stop to photograph.”

There will be a celebration of the installation on Thursday, April 30 at noon. In addition, ������ý��Ƶ will host Pride and Place, Harper Hall Design Competition Finalists Exhibition, which will feature several of the top submissions from the call for artists at the Heuser Art Center. The opening reception for the exhibition will be Friday, May 1 at 5 p.m.

 

Celebration of new Harper Hall Art Installation

Thursday, April 30 | 12 p.m.
Harper Hall Mural Site
1306 W. Main St. | Peoria, IL 61625

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Pride and Place, Harper Hall Design Competition Finalists Exhibition

Opening��Reception | May 1 | 5-7 p.m.
Heuser��Art Center��Catwalk��Gallery��(second floor)
1400 W. ������ý��Ƶ Avenue | Peoria, IL 61625