From a hallway in the U.S Capitol to an alleyway in downtown Rock Island, Riley Jones' artwork is getting noticed.
It all started when Jones, a Rock Island High School student, submitted her artwork "Black Pride" into the 2021 Congressional Art Competition in Illinois’ 17th Congressional District and won! Her artwork will hang in the U.S Capitol for a year.
Her "Black Pride" piece was inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement and was asked to create a large-scale mural in downtown Rock Island. Congresswoman Cheri Bustos who was in attendance at the event said she chose Riley's piece because it had a message.
On Thursday, August 19 a ribbon cutting was held to unveil the mural that's painted on the wall of 313 20th St. - across the alley from Leo's Shoe Repair.
Riley's mural is the first of many to appear in downtown Rock Island as part of a new program launched by the Quad City Arts and the Quad Cities Chamber.
"If Congresswoman Cheri Bustos thought the artwork was good enough to be displayed at the U.S Capitol, we thought it deserved a spot in Downtown Rock Island," said Jack Cullen, Downtown Director for Rock Island.
You can read more about Riley's story and the painting process here.
Check out the media coverage: WQAD
