Before billboards, radio, and TV spread advertising in a big way, there were barns and other buildings just begging to be painted with one message or another. Vibrant colors soak the paint brushes; the Walldog begins to work magic with every brush stroke adding dimension to the nostalgic art from of illustrating an advertisement on the side of the building. You can see the old-time ads as you travel the country. Some are weatherworn, others freshly repainted. A new form of walldog artwork is telling the story of a community’s history.
What is so unique about Walldogs painting?
Walldogs annual meet keeps the art form alive and rejuvenates-literally and figuratively-a community spirit. Four days of hand painting by over 200 artists from around the world is a cause of celebration. It even helped Kewanee win Rand McNally’s “Best Small Town in America” title in an online poll. Encounter a welcoming spirit any time of the year and tour 15 hand-painted murals illustrating Kewanee’s heritage and glimpse of the unique:
15 Hand painted murals illustrating Kewanee’s heritage and glimpse of the unique!
What is Murals’ Hidden Treasures?
Many of the murals have hidden “tags” the artists incorporate that are known only to them and not immediately visible to the naked eye. Sometimes it’s the artist’s name hidden somewhere in the painting or you could learn an interesting fact, simply by studying the painting. That’s why retired Kewanee High School teacher Roger Malcolm created a quiz that helps make the tour even more interesting to those visiting. By giving you clues to look for items hidden in the painting, the Murals’ Hidden Treasures is for you to explore and enjoy.
Welcome to Kewanee
- How many of Kewanee’s namesakes are pictured in the mural?
- What is the brand of the automobile?
Fred Francis & Woodland Palace
- What was the name of Fred’s wife?
Salute to Kewanee Military
- What is written on the wreath on the casket?
- What was the date “In Flanders Fields” was written?
Agriculture
- What are the types of Kewanee Machinery and Conveyor equipment depicted in the mural?
Roger Reiman
- Find the dated icon that is “emblematic” of UFO’s.
- It will be a real trophy for you if you can find two flying saucers to go with the cup.
Kewanee Streetcars
- What are the names of the parks at the ends of the streetcar line?
- What is the conductor’s name?
- Find a pig and two crowns hidden in the mural.
Prairie Chicken Beer
- Find the tribute to an Irish descendant who was fond of his beer.
Cole Brothers Air Show
- What word is intentionally written “upside down”?
Kewanee Fire 1942
- What day of the week was the early morning fire?
- Find a “sign” of the artists who worked on the mural, and some names even “print”ed.
- Find Kilroy just above some rubble.
Kewanee Landmarks (located on the same wall as Kewanee Fire)
- What is the destination of the public transportation vehicle?
Sandy’s
- What was the Sandy’s slogan?
- The lead artist for this mural placed his daughter’s name on the hamburger. What is her name?
Dreamland Theatre
- This mural is located on a once family-owned hotel. They had a pet dog, similar to the one pictured in the mural. The one in the mural was given the same name. What is the name of the family pet?
Kewanee Industry
- What is the “given” name of the boiler shown?
- A Kewanee Boiler is seen in a famous movie. Find the “brothers” shown in the mural as a tribute to this movie appearance.
- A former worker whose last name started with “B” would weld this letter to the boilers he worked on. Find the tribute to this worker.
Kewanee Authors
- Which author’s work was made into a movie?
Windmont Park (located just north of Kewanee Authors)
- What group did this mural and when was the original artwork done?
- Find the tree limb tribute to a friend of the young artists.
- The artists’ signatures are blended in to match the scenery. Try to find them.
S.S. Kewanee
- How many five-pointed stars are in the mural?
Cornhuskers Heritage
- What physical characteristic does this cornhusker share with about 10% of the world population?
Neville Brand
- How many five-pointed stars are in the mural?
- What is Neville Brand holding in his hand?
Questions and Answers?
For more information, please call 309-852-2296.
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