A blank wall is what some people see when they gaze at it. Others see the possibility of a stunning mural.
The latter group includes Colin Ash, who owns the home at 114 North 6th St.
Ash was interested in having a mural created after being moved by the construction on 6thstreet. To get things started, he contacted the Public Art Commission.
“Quincy does not have a city code that really covers a mural, so it falls under our sign code,” said Jason Parrott, the city planning director, one of the main reasons the Art Commission is engaged. They clearly intend to fill the full wall, but a sign would only be permitted on 5% of it. The Art Commission has the authority to approve public art and ask the city council to waive the sign code requirement for the mural’s painting.
This is what transpired during the City Council meeting on Monday. A resolution to waive the sign ordinance and permit the mural’s painting was unanimously approved by the Council.
Parrott stated that a new mural code might be implemented in the future.
The Public Art Commission’s chair, Maggie Strong, hopes that Ash may serve as a model for other local property owners who wish to support public art. She hopes that they will learn what we can do as a commission to encourage more public art. They are responsible for project coordination, which includes calling artists, obtaining city approval, and assisting Ash with building preparation.
According to Strong, the public art commission’s main goal is to increase Quincy’s enthusiasm for public art while also enhancing and promoting it.
According to Parrott, many people might wish to have public art installed on their land. They also don’t really know where to begin. An excellent starting point is the Public Arts Commission.
Ash was given the opportunity to select his best mural design from three artists’ submissions.
In the end, I had to decide which one to choose, Ash texted. However, on the sixth, I presented the concepts to our building and business owners to seek their feedback as well.
Ash chose local artist Jaycie Womack Spake, who has completed about 30 murals. Womack has already painted at Seoul 2 Soul and Quincy Brewing Company, so this will be her third time on 6th Street.
Womack spoke about her new creation and stated, “Oh my gosh, it’s my dream wall.” She believes it to be her largest mural to date, measuring 55 by 21 feet.
The Bayview Bridge, the word Quincy, the state of Illinois, and the Common Blue Violet, the state flower, are all featured in the mosaic pattern. Womack Spake has sought to help people enjoy where they live since returning home after attending the Kansas City Art Institute.
“I love everything about Quincy,” Womack Spake said, “but I know that sometimes it can be hard for people who like big cities because we’re a very small community.”
Maggie Strong is offering to help Ash raise the $17,000 required for the painting, even if the city is not providing financing.
As Strong stated, “I believe it’s always important that we pay artists what they deserve and that it’s a real job.”
The Community Foundation Board accepts cheques from the public who wish to make a donation.
It is anticipated that the mural will be finished in the spring of 2026.
