"Our Town"
mural commissioned by CNB
Macoupin
County Enquirer, Thursday December 15, 1994
Carlinville National Bank's Board of Directors has commissioned Chicago artist Nan Steinmeyer to paint a mural at the bank. The8-foot-4-inch-by-20-foot wall painting entitled "Our Town" will be located on the curved hallway leading from the bank lobby to a rear entrance.
"Our Town" is a rolling rural landscape with the familiar skyline of Carlinville businesses, churches and historical buildings. "This mural is not intended to be a realistic painting of Carlinville" noted Steinmeyer. "A group of photographs could do that job. Instead it will show the spirit of this rural community."
Steinmeyer has chosen to work in a decorative style much like the painting? of the early 20th century artist Grant Wood, who lived and worked in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
"This decorative style was chosen for two reasons, "explained Steinmeyer "First, to emphasize the charm of this rural community. The references to farming and quilting are a reminder of the rich traditions of the American Midwest. Second, the almost quilt-like patterns break the huge wall into smaller, more intimate rectangles. This device makes the limited viewing distance manageable. The smaller shaped areas keep the observer wanting to take a closer look."
Steinmeyer, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs, Elwood Steinmeyer of Carlinville, is a graduate of Carlinville High School. At the present time her art is showing in the Sears Tower in Chicago. During 1995, her work is already scheduled for exhibitions in Hinsdale; Byron; West Bend Art Museum in West Bend, WI.; Northern Indian a Arts Alliance in Muncie, Ind; and Cultural Center in Las Vegas, Nev. Steinmeyer resides in Chicago with her husband, Douglas F. Wachob.
By commissioning this work, Carlinville National Bank continues its patronage of the arts, which has included donations to area arts organizations and, most recently, sponsorship of the CNB Summer Concerts on The Square series. CNB's support of the arts is centered around providing visual exhibitions, performances and arts education programs for area residents.
Work on the mural project will begin on December 27. Steimneyer expects the work on the mural to take between 10 and 15 business days. Local high school students have been asked to help on some aspects of the project. Carlinville residents are encouraged: to visit the work site and watch the emergence of "Our Town,"
