Peoria church mural artists have work across the United States

PEORIA — Irrespective of how intricate the artwork or significant the message, Andrew Hattermann says his studio’s work comes down to at least one easy factor: Magnificence.

“We attempt to make a church extra stunning than it is ever been,” the Peorian says. “That is our purpose.”

And for almost 20 years in additional than 50 church buildings throughout greater than a dozen states, the Peoria artists of Murals by Jericho have completed simply that — beautified non secular areas in myriad methods and strategies. 

Hattermann’s creative journey is lengthy and winding. The 56-year-old Limestone grad had studied artwork for years — however his life actually modified 20 years in the past when he met enterprise associate Robert Hill whereas instructing a drawing class at Bradley College. 

Hill then labored at Adams Out of doors Promoting and introduced Hattermann on board to assist on mural initiatives for eating places, properties and malls. “We have been getting no matter work we might,” Hattermann stated.

One of many jobs was portray some easy inside murals for Byblos, a Lebanese restaurant situated on the Peoria riverfront. Appeared easy sufficient. But the work caught the attention of among the monks from St. Mark Catholic Church in Peoria as they grabbed lunch someday.

After loads of cellphone tag, Hattermann and Hill ultimately related with the church, which employed them to work an entire overhaul of the church’s interior.

“We weren’t trying to get into this enterprise, we have been simply on the lookout for work on the time … it is modified our lives dramatically,” Hattermann stated. “It is form of divine windfall the way in which issues have labored for us.”

Included within the work for St. Mark’s was copy of work from Italian renaissance artist Fra Angelico, additionally the patron saint of arts. The work impressed Bishop Daniel Jenky, who in 2002 rededicated the church. Two years later, when the work was accomplished, Jenky designated the church as a shrine to Angelico.

“This all has been phrase of mouth,” Hattermann stated, “and all been began by this one mission.”

Since, Murals by Jericho has taken on projects in 13 states, together with a number of church buildings in Texas and Illinois, together with 5 complete in Peoria. The work reaches as far west as California and Oregon, stretching east to Vermont and Virginia. Hattermann stated he is presently engaged on initiatives for church buildings in Alabama and Australia. 

And it isn’t simply fantastic artwork work. The studio also designs furnishings, frames, stained glass and inlaid flooring. Plans for every church differ. Generally the management has particular concepts, different occasions they lean into the studio’s creative experience. Principally, it is a partnership.