Beyond the Sculptures
Tribute
Emily Baffa
Oct 7, 2022
“Tribute,” a piece on the wall outside the main academic building, was created by Marlene Miller, a former art professor and Washington local. The mural arrived at Illinois Central College (ICC) on October 4, 1999, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the college.
After studying at Bradley University and Syracuse University, Miller taught at ICC and continued to study anatomy and figure drawing. Miller’s ceramics are rooted in soulful human depiction, some crude and contorted, others delicate and wistful. Miller began the 24-foot mural after almost two decades of teaching. She submitted a letter of resignation after it was successfully completed nearly two years later in 1998 to pursue her art career further.
The striking clay mural features a medley of people, symbolizing the diversity central to the ICC community. Eleven people from all walks of life stand in a forest clearing in front of a clay replica of the college. Abigail Lee, a sophomore at ICC, shared her thoughts on the piece.
“I love that it’s just a regular day, yet there are people of all ages pursuing their future together. College is such a sweet opportunity to learn alongside others and grow in your relationships,” Lee said.
In the foreground of the depiction, a woman with a singular long braid talking with an elderly man with a cane. Nearby, men with thick beards, girls with flowing dresses, and a boy in a wheelchair gather together. A Jack Russell Terrier and a black cat join the assembly, meandering between their feet. Two characters pull away from the crowd: a girl releasing a bird to flight and a boy sitting at the base of a tree.
The inscription on the mural reads, “In honor of our students and those who have nurtured and inspired them.”
The student body changes drastically from semester to semester. Some students complete their time at ICC to follow their career paths, and others pursue higher education with aspiring dreams ahead of them. The mural remains a steadfast homage to the mentors and teachers who leave a lasting legacy behind and the students who are forever impacted.