11 Insta-Worthy Sites in the Marion Mural District

The Mural District is an astounding collection that local and internationally known artists created to pave the way for arts and culture in Marion, Illinois. This guide will show you where to find some of our favorite paintings, what they mean to the artist, and why they’re essential to our city. Whether they grace the walls of alleyways or buildings, they’re all easily found on foot, so what are you waiting for? Here are 11 Insta-worthy sites you’ve got to see.

“Your Vibe Attracts Your Tribe”

Instagrammers will also want to see “Your Vibe Attracts Your Tribe.” This stunning mural is on the east side of Perfectly Posh Boutique. Becca Mueller Williams of nearby Johnston City created this painting in 2021 with the help of contributing artist Missy Carstens. The concept behind the floral image is a delightfully charming reminder that when you put out positive energy, you’ll attract like-minded people for friendship and support. So, remember your Marion neighbors next time you pass by and say hello to a stranger.

• Location: 305 W. Main St.

“All You Need”

Josh Benson, a self-taught Marion artist, designed this mural concept during the fall of 2020 and painted the final piece in April 2021. He meant it to appeal to all ages with its positive message and colorful rainbow-striped heart. If you grew up with the Beatles music, you’ll see the band’s iconic Abbey Road imagery incorporated at the bottom. Take an opportunity to pose with the famous group for an Insta-worthy picture.

• Location: 201 E. Union St.

“Hangin’ in the Purple Rain”

“Hangin’ in the Purple Rain” features a bold geometric pattern that leads you to the end of the building, where you’ll find a pair of stylized clouds showering the wall with purple rain. The water accumulates in a puddle that runs down the sidewalk. Can you spot the floating yellow umbrella? It’s a terrific interactive element and the perfect spot to incorporate yourself into the image.

• Location: 118 E. Union St.

“Chrysanthemum”

On the opposite wall of “Hangin’ in the Purple Rain,” check out its companion piece, “Chrysanthemum.” Both pieces join their geometric patterns at the building’s corner. While each has its unique color palette, they blend well from any angle. The greens and reds of this view get heavier toward the graphic, depicting a stylized pink chrysanthemum flower.

• Location: 118 E. Union St.

“Postcards from the Past”

Grab your camera and head to the south side of Dave’s Keys to spot “Postcards from the Past.” Local creative Kris Killman painted the vintage-looking postcard mural in 2021. It depicts five historically significant buildings around the city, including the Goddard Church, the train station, the old Courthouse in Tower Square Plaza, the Citadel building, and the former Orpheum Theatre.

• Location: 211 N. Market St.

“Little Egypt Arts Association”

Local artist Kris Killman was also involved with the “Little Egypt Arts Association” mural in 2009. He led a team of 33 volunteers, each painted a portrait of a former association president. The group originally designed the piece to help visitors find the arts center, with the thought that nothing catches the eye quite like the image of a massive hole in the side of the building.

This piece depicts the past leaders tolling away, both outside the center and inside the gallery. See if you can spy some of the many art-related items painters hid within the mural. Snap a picture, then share your findings on Instagram.

• Location: Tower Square Plaza

“Welcome to America”

Local teen Maddie Dieters painted “Welcome to America” at just 13 years old with the help of her parents, Hank and Deanna. The striking, building-sized mural is a tribute to the city’s Italian immigrants. They left their homeland searching for a better life in America, working in the coal mines. You can see the Statue of Liberty in the corner and the majestic mountains along the top. Tower Square Pizza helped sponsor the piece, and you can see its name in there too.

• Location: 1207 Tower Square Plaza

“Butterfly RISE”

Savannah Sheffler originally designed and painted “Butterfly RISE” in 2018. In 2021, Josh Benson added a touch of color and a few graphics to give the mural a complete look. You’ll see it in all its glorious shades of blue on the west side of the Marion Lawn and Small Engine Repair building. If you need your Volkswagen repaired, consider scheduling with the certified mechanics at Volkswagen of Marion.

• Location: 300 E. Union St.

“Support the Arts”

Local high school art student Mika Seres-Beno did an outstanding job creating and executing this mural on the Pickers Paradise building. She completed this piece to earn the Girl Scout Gold Award. The project features six colorful bubbles, each with a performing artist demonstrating their skills inside. You can spot an actor, a dancer, a singer, and two musicians: a trumpet and a violin player.

• Location: 108 E. Jefferson St.

“The Statue of Freedom”

“The Statue of Freedom” mural by painters Shawn Vincelette, Josh Benson, and Luke O’Neill grace the west side of the 80-foot-tall Citadel building in the Square. Also known as Armed Freedom or simply Freedom, Thomas Crawford designed the original bronze statue in the 1800s. Since 1863, it crowned the U.S. Capitol building dome in Washington, D.C.

The painting of this famous statue depicts a woman in military garb, holding a sword in one hand and a laurel wreath and shield in the other. Because the word Citadel means “a fortress, typically on high ground, protecting or dominating a city,” the painting is a fitting tribute to the towering building.

• Location: 504 Tower Square Plaza

“Satchmo and the Duke”

“Satchmo and the Duke” is a mural that depicts two of America’s most well-known musicians: Duke Ellington at the piano and Louis Armstrong happily blowing on the trumpet. This 22-foot mural on the side of Byassee Music and Sound’s brick building shares the joy of music with everyone in Marion. Josh Benson completed this contemporary work in 2020, and it’s one of the most unique attractions near Marion.

• Location: 521 W. Main St.

So, there you have it. Volkswagen of Marion scoured the city for the best Insta-worthy mural sites. If you haven’t been to this artsy district, what are you waiting for? Let us know which of the 22 paintings are your favorites. Drop us a line so we can add your thoughts to our next guide.