鶹Ƶ Alumna Selected for Harper Hall Large-Scale Art Installation
April 13, 2026
鶹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 鶹Ƶ’s campus meets the Peoria community.
The project is a partnership between 鶹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 鶹Ƶ students and alumni responding to a competitive call for artists. Her bright, playful composition centers on 鶹Ƶ founder Lydia Moss 鶹Ƶ, surrounded by scenes that reflect the creativity, curiosity, and innovation found across both the 鶹Ƶ campus and the Peoria community.
“This project represents the very best of 鶹Ƶ: creativity, collaboration, and connection,” said 鶹Ƶ President Jim Shadid. “Olivia’s work captures the spirit of Lydia Moss 鶹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,” saidLaura Cullinan, GPLC Advisor. “This installation will become an iconic visual landmark that reflects the creativity and collaboration that definesboth 鶹Ƶ andthe Greater Peoria region.”
Malone, a 2013 鶹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 鶹Ƶ, the same kind of student I once was,” Malone said. “The composition flows from 鶹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 鶹Ƶ, said the response to the call for artists demonstrated the strength of 鶹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 鶹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 鶹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, 鶹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
Pride and Place, Harper Hall Design Competition Finalists Exhibition
OpeningReception | May 1 | 5-7 p.m.
HeuserArt CenterCatwalkGallery(second floor)
1400 W. 鶹Ƶ Avenue | Peoria, IL 61625