When the State of Illinois moved its headquarters from the soaring, glass-and-concrete curves of the Thompson Center into the gleaming lobby at 115 South LaSalle, the Prime Group turned to Friedman Fine Art to commission a landmark mural. After reviewing a suite of richly rendered concepts and portfolios from multiple artists, they chose a rare collaboration: the trompe l’oeil virtuosity of Richard Haas paired with the bold color work of Chicago muralist Tom Melvin. Over six months of close collaboration with the State, Friedman Fine Art shepherded sketches and full-scale mock-ups into a sprawling acrylic-on-canvas masterpiece—15 feet high and 35 feet wide—that stretches across the lobby wall like a vivid panorama of Illinois history. This installation is a perfect example of how Friedman Fine Art transforms corporate and public spaces with art that resonates. If you’re considering original artwork or custom graphics for your own environment, I’d welcome the chance to explore ideas and partners with you.
ARTIST STATEMENT
In the central panel, two burnished bronze doors swing open to frame Daniel Chester French’s sculptural study for the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Through that portal, the graceful dome of the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield rises against a sky streaked with dawn’s pale lavender and gold, while emerald-green rows of corn and soy fields fan out to the horizon.
To the right, two adjoining panels celebrate the state’s vast agricultural heartland. A ribbon of wispy clouds drifts above fields of rippling wheat and corn shaded in ochre and jade. At center left stands the Susan L. Dana House—one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie School jewels—its low-slung roof and art-glass windows embracing the flat Midwestern plain. Beyond it, the massive earthen terraces of Monks Mound at Cahokia emerge like an ancient amphitheater, a silent testament to the indigenous city that once ruled this region.
Along the far right, the broad Mississippi River snakes through the scene in ribbons of turquoise and sapphire, marking Illinois’s western boundary. Dotted along its banks are storied landmarks: the red-brick main building of historic Knox College surrounded by shade trees; Loredo Taft’s bronze statue of Black Hawk poised atop its pedestal; and the thunderous cascades of Starved Rock State Park tumbling over time-worn sandstone cliffs.
In the immediate foreground, a simple wooden split-rail fence anchors the composition. Just beyond, a father and daughter relish a late-afternoon moment: she steers a miniature John Deere tractor painted in gleaming green and yellow, he stands watch with a proud smile. Above them, a small, circular vignette offers a glimpse into southern Illinois—verdant hills giving way to the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, their waters mingling in a storied embrace.
As you enter or depart this building—or spend your workdays here—this mural is meant to brighten your passage and remind you of the rich tapestry, the pioneering spirit, and the enduring beauty that define the great State of Illinois.
Illinois in Color: A Mural That Tells the State’s Story
In the heart of Illinois, a mural bursts to life with color, history, and pride. Divided into vertical panels like chapters in a book, this artwork is more than just decoration—it’s a visual narrative of the state’s identity, from its towering urban skyline to its quiet country roads.
Chicago: The Pulse of Progress
On the left, the mural opens with a tribute to Chicago, Illinois’ beating heart. Iconic skyscrapers like the Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower rise above the city’s bustling streets, while a worker suspended midair reminds viewers of the labor and grit behind the city’s grandeur. Below, the elevated train snakes through the scene, a nod to the city’s legendary transit system and its constant motion.
Springfield: Gateway to Legacy
At the center, the word “ILLINOIS” arches above a golden doorway, inviting viewers into the state’s political and historical core. Through the doorway stands the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield, framed by lush farmland—a symbol of both governance and growth. In front, a statue of Abraham Lincoln sits in quiet reflection, anchoring the mural in the legacy of one of America’s most revered leaders.
Rural Roots: The Soul of the State
To the right, the mural softens into scenes of rural and suburban life. A winding road leads to a covered bridge and a farmhouse, where a child plays with a toy tractor. These images evoke the simplicity and warmth of small-town living, reminding viewers that Illinois is not just skyscrapers and politics—it’s also fields, families, and front porches.
A Tapestry of Identity
This mural doesn’t just depict Illinois—it embodies it. It’s a celebration of contrasts: urban and rural, past and present, industry and innocence. Each panel is a brushstroke in the portrait of a state that’s as diverse as it is unified.
Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a curious visitor, this mural invites you to pause, reflect, and appreciate the many layers of Illinois. It’s not just art—it’s a story, a tribute, and a reminder of everything that makes the Prairie State unforgettable.