Lake County Gazette

The Village of Mundelein, in a ceremony steeped in community spirit, unveiled a new mural at the Lions Skate Park, crafted by renowned local artist Amanda E. Gross. This latest addition to the village's public art collection is much more than mere decoration; it is a vibrant tapestry that tells stories of Mundelein's rich heritage.

The focus of our discussion today is this remarkable piece of artwork. The mural by Gross features local history, wildlife, and skateboarding, and recognizes the late Matthew Rogan, to whom the park is dedicated, according to a Village of Mundelein press release.

Let's delve further into who were involved in bringing this project to fruition. The Mundelein Arts Commission in collaboration with the Mundelein Historical Commission and the Mundelein Park and Recreation District sponsored the mural, according to a Village of Mundelein press release. This mural is one of three in Mundelein, with the first on Park Street and commissioned by the Arts Commission, with the second mural located next to Luke's, which was commissioned by Luke's of Mundelein.

We must also mention how important research was for Gross in creating an authentic portrayal of her hometown. A visit to the Heritage Museum to work with the docents helped Gross determine what details and events to portray in her mural, according to a Village of Mundelein press release.

Gross' careful consideration is evident not only through her historical references but also through personal narratives and natural beauty she chose to incorporate into her work. "I especially wanted to be sure to mention the Potawatomi who inhabited the land originally, the Joice family farm (started by a former enslaved person), Quig's Orchard (a favorite childhood spot), Bill's Pizza (where my parents met), and Diamond Lake's tourist heyday," Gross said, according to a Village of Mundelein press release.

Moreover, she seamlessly intertwined the natural with the historical in her art. She selected native plants growing along the creek next to the skate park, picking orange daylilies for their beauty and historical significance to Mundelein, Gross said, according to a Village of Mundelein press release. She had to research skateboard basics on the Internet and used a photo taken by a friend of Rogan to create a silhouette.