ROCHELLE — Community leaders, donors and residents gathered to celebrate the completion of a new downtown mural honoring Rochelle Area Community Foundation founder Leonard Carmichael and the power of local giving. The mural at the city’s pocket park at 517 West Fourth Ave. was created by Rochelle artist Mat Steder and funded through the Daniel and Stephanie Williams Fund for the Arts.
Stephanie Williams said the mural is more than just a work of art.
“It’s a place where families can gather, friends will meet, visitors will stop for a photo and children will grow up remembering moments right here. One of the things I love most about this mural is what it represents. The hands nurturing new growth remind us communities flourish when people invest in one another,” she said.
“Leonard Carmichael understood that. His vision for the Rochelle Area Community Foundation created opportunities for generations of giving.”
Foundation leaders said nearly $1.6 million has been invested in local grants, charitable funds and community projects since the organization was established 21 years ago. The mural is Steder’s third public artwork in downtown Rochelle.
