8-15-2022 6:50am

Mural installation underway in Roscoe

After outlining the mural on the face of the Freemason building in Roscoe, artist Thomas Agran began working on the large mural early Thursday, Aug. 11.

Muralist Thomas Agran has a lot of work ahead of him. Agran has been commissioned to paint a 1,300 sq. ft. mural on the side of the Freemason Building, at 10534 N. Main St. in Roscoe. The colorful wall has been catching the eye of everyone driving through downtown Roscoe.

Agran began the installation early Thursday morning, Aug. 11, 2022. After priming and outlining the scene, the real work began. Before the day was over, he had made significant progress.

He will be working on the mural in two sessions: last Thursday through Sunday (Aug. 11 through Aug. 14), and, after a week’s break, will be back Aug. 22 to complete the painting. The anticipated date of completion is the end of August.

The public art display presents a colorful, aerial view of the Village of Roscoe and the surrounding area.

Agran is using water-based acrylic paint for the mural. “It should last as long as the building stays in good shape.”

Murals are very popular right now. Roscoe’s project is just one of 30 locations in Rockford and the surrounding area, with more to come.

CRE815, a community-building, art infused event launched 201, by Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau’s public art and placement efforts.

Described as "transformational art," the goal of the project is to install designs such as murals and sculptures that enhance the region for visitors and residents.

Roscoe’s undertaking is in partnership with the Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (RACVB), the Village of Roscoe, and individual donors.

At the Aug. 3 Village meeting, trustees voted to contribute $15,000 to the project. Village administrator Scott Sanders said individual donations are being contributed by Forest City Gear in memory of Wendy Young, by Brian Erickson in memory of his father Eldon, and by Al Rinaldi.

The anticipated date of completion is the end of August - the exact date is to be announced. RACVB and the Village of Roscoe will hold a joint press conference and a community party to celebrate the finished project Thursday, Aug 25 4-6 pm, on Main St. Plaques indicating the individual donors will be presented.

Readers can follow the progress on the mural throughout the month here on roscoenews.com.