September 5, 2025 (PEORIA, IL) The city of Peoria and Big Picture Peoria dedicated a new mural titled “Play Greater” on the Adams Street side of the Jefferson Parking Deck, 230 SW Adams Street. Speakers at today’s event included Peoria Mayor Rita Ali, Mark Misselhorn Vice President of the Big Picture Peoria board, Regional President, Central Illinois, PNC Bank, Brian Ray, Gilmore Foundation President Laura Cullinan, and Community Foundation of Central Illinois CEO Mark Roberts. The event was held downtown at Distillery Labs.
Featuring Peoria landmarks like City Hall, the Murray Baker Bridge, Twin Towers, and more, the 30-feet-tall and 50-feet-wide piece is titled “Play Greater.” It was created by Bob Doucette, an artist who exhibits his work in the mediums of animation, sculpture, painting, puppetry, and doll making. His work has been seen around the world. The mural was underwritten with funds from the Gilmore Foundation, PNC Bank, and the Community Foundation of Central Illinois with staff support from the city of Peoria.
Mayor Ali remarked, “Public art, galleries, and cultural programming drive tourism, support local businesses, and contribute to Peoria’s economic vitality. Projects like 'Play Greater' are not only expressions of creativity—they are investments in our community and our economy."
Big Picture Peoria projects can be seen throughout Peoria, including Abraham Blue, the 50-foot mural on the side of the Peoria County Courthouse, Portraits of Peoria, on the Main Street side of the Peoria Public Library downtown location, and the “Find Yourself” mural at Metro Center. On Saturday, September 6, they will dedicate “Pulling Together,” the mural located at 401 Water Street, at 10:00 a.m. This fall they will host The Big Picture Film Festival on November 21 and 22 at the Peoria Riverfront Museum.