A brush with history public art program was developed to help revitalize Ottawa’s downtown and create a cultural attraction for tourists and residents of the community. The program is sponsored by the Ottawa Visitors Center and overseen by a committee of citizens devoted to public arts.

The painting program began in 2002. As of early 2005, five murals have been completed, and more are scheduled to begin! The murals thus far have focused on figures or events that have been important to our history, including local industry, prominent citizens, or the creation of a major internal improvements project.

Visit the Mural Website!

Contact the Ottawa Visitors Center for more information
or if you have additional questions.

Ottawa Visitors Center
100 West Lafayette Street
Ottawa, Illinois 61350
Telephone: Toll Free - 1-888-OTTAWA-4
Locally: (815) 434-2737
Fax: (815) 434-5477
Or E-mail: