Thankful Thursday: A Mural That Brings West Chicago's Story to Life
November is a great time of year to reflect on all we are grateful for and on this Thankful Thursday, we're celebrating the incredible collaborative project that brought a stunning new mural to the West Chicago City Museum—and the talented artist who made it happen: Matt Buko.
A True Partnership
What began as a conversation between Matt, a Gallery 200 artist, and Museum staff evolved into something truly special. Together, we explored the symbols, objects, moments, and stories that define West Chicago's history, trying to find the perfect way to connect our first and second floors—not just physically, but narratively.
Matt didn't just listen; he absorbed our community's stories. He translated our collective vision into initial sketches, then wonderfully revised his designs based on our feedback. This wasn't art imposed on history—it was history brought to life through art.
Early sketch by Matt Buko
Innovation Meets Tradition
The installation process itself was fascinating. Over the course of seven days, Matt used cutting-edge technology—a VR headset—to transfer his approved sketch onto our wall with precision. Then came the meticulous work of painting each individual section, layering in details that honor the complexity of our community's past.
Watching modern tools serve timeless stories reminded us that museums themselves are about exactly this: bridging past and present.
Celebrating Together
On October 25th, during our annual Downtown Trick-or-Treat event, we gathered with Mayor Bovey, community members, and families to celebrate Matt's achievement. The mural was unveiled surrounded by the very community it represents—exactly as it should be.
From left to right: Mural Artist, Matt Buko - West Chicago Mayor, Daniel Bovey - West Chicago City Museum Director/Curator, Sara Phalen
Looking Forward
This mural installation speaks to the heart of West Chicago: showing how art and history don't just coexist, but amplify each other. We're excited for this piece to become a beloved staple of the museum experience, sparking conversations, memories, and new discoveries with every visit.
Matt, we're deeply grateful for your partnership, your patience with our feedback, and your dedication to representing West Chicago's story with authenticity and artistry. You've given our community a gift that will inspire visitors for years to come.
Visit the West Chicago City Museum to see the mural in person and discover the stories woven into every brushstroke.
What part of West Chicago's history are you most excited to see reflected in the mural? Share your thoughts when you visit!
