Arts Alley is primed, literally, for one of the largest public art projects in Rock Island’s history. On Thursday, May 30, the Rock Island Downtown Alliance, the City of Rock Island and Quad City Arts announced artists Atlanta Dawn of the Quad-Cities and Nicole Salgar of Miami were selected to produce large-scale murals on either side of “Arts Alley”, a public pedestrian space at 1719 Second Ave. The paintable surface of the west wall is approximately 80 feet wide and 28 feet high and will feature Salgar’s mural.
The east wall will feature Dawn’s mural, with a paintable surface approximately 60 feet wide and 30 feet high. In the news release, Salgar said she wanted to celebrate local biodiversity and heritage with her mural. Nicole Salgar's proposed mural design, shared on May 30, 2024 “Central to this vision is a vibrant portrayal of the native finch amidst lush iris flowers in the early evening.
The Victorian architecture, paying homage to the city’s heritage, evokes nostalgia and community pride,” Salgar said. Dawn’s submission is titled “Luminary Voyage” and included the following statement. Atlanta Dawn's proposed mural, shared on May 30, 2024 “There is a knowing within.
Listen, a wisdom born of both light and shadow. Press onward amid the darkness for the light is not external, but inside you,” Dawn said. According to the Quad City Arts website, the initial request for artists ended on February 21, 2024.
On May 8, community members were invited.