ALEDO, ILLINOIS (June 18, 2026) — The Windborn Group and Quad City Arts are pleased to announce that artist Madeline Dieters has been selected to create a new public mural on the South side of 112 E Main St in historic downtown Aledo.
Supported by the Illinois Arts Council's America's 250th Public Art Grant, the mural is part of a statewide initiative celebrating Illinois in 2026. Quad City Arts was selected as one of only twenty Regional Arts Partners across the state to participate in the invitation-only program. Through projects like this mural, the initiative highlights Illinois' creative legacy and demonstrates how public art can strengthen communities, foster civic pride, and contribute to local economic vitality.
At just nineteen years old, Dieters already has an impressive portfolio of large-scale public artworks. She began work on the mural June 16 and is expected to complete the project in time for a public unveiling on July 3.
The mural's design honors two influential female artists with ties to Aledo: Gertrude Abercrombie, the celebrated surrealist painter often referred to as the "Queen of the Bohemian Artists," and Doris Lee, whose paintings captured scenes of everyday American life and earned national recognition throughout the 20th century.
"Thankful for the partnership with Quad City Arts and the State of Illinois in celebrating the history of visual arts in our community with this mural featuring two prominent Aledo artists," said W J Albertson, with the Windborn Group, a real estate development and community revitalization organization.
By highlighting the accomplishments of Abercrombie and Lee, the mural celebrates the artistic contributions of Illinois women while connecting local history to a broader story of creativity and cultural impact.
The project reflects a shared commitment by the Windborn Group, Quad City Arts, and community partners to invest in public spaces that inspire civic pride, encourage cultural tourism, and create meaningful connections between people and place.
Community members are invited to watch the mural take shape over the coming weeks. The completed artwork will be unveiled on July 3 in conjunction with Aledo's Independence Day celebrations. Additional event details will be announced as plans are finalized.
About Quad City Arts:
Quad City Arts is a non-profit arts organization committed to enriching the quality of life in the Quad Cities Region through the arts. All Quad City Arts programs are funded in part by our Quad City Arts Partners (donors like you), Festival of Trees, and operating grants from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, and the Iowa Arts Council, a division of the the Iowa Economic Development Authority, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Quad City Arts is a proud partner of The Cultural Trust.
