Illinois State University’s campus consists of far more than the obvious series of classroom buildings and athletic venues. It is also home to the Fell Arboretum, which consists of trees and gardens that have steadily increased in number since the University was established in 1857.
Many of the artistic pieces on campus are the result of the State of Illinois Capital Development Board’s Art-in-Architecture Program. Begun in 1977 by former Gov. James Thompson, this program enlists Illinois artists to create works of art for renovated or newly constructed buildings that are open to the public. The works are completed and installed using a percentage of the renovation or construction costs, which are committed to commissioned art projects intended to promote and preserve the arts.
This project was funded by University Advancement and produced by University Marketing and Communications. Special thanks to Milner Library’s Steve Meckstroth and Mark Schmitt, who completed extensive research for this project and provided editorial assistance. Meckstroth has been Illinois State’s Fine Arts Librarian since 1974. He studied art and the humanities at the University of Chicago and School of the Art Institute. Schmitt is an English graduate of Illinois State and is floor manager of Milner’s humanities division.