A colorful mural painted on a sidewalk featuring a large star with smaller stars surrounding it and the text '150 Arcade Theatre 1926-2026.'
Colorful chalk art on the sidewalk outside a brick building with a sign that reads 'You Look Good.' Several people are working on the chalk art, some crouching and others standing, with spray paint cans and chalk visible.
Colorful chalk writing on asphalt pavement. It says "Earth and Pet" with a smiley face in a speech bubble and the word "CA" in yellow.
People creating a colorful mural on the street with various brushes and tools. Several onlookers are watching, some standing and others sitting. The scene is in an urban area with buildings and storefronts in the background.
People creating a colorful mural on the pavement of a city sidewalk, with buildings and parked cars in the background.

Banners in the Park are Back!

A High School Student's Vision Comes to Life Through Paint the Street

This past Mother’s Day weekend, the St. Charles Arts Council (SCAC) finished its fifth consecutive year of “Paint the Street.”

“Paint the Street” is a public art project the SCAC fosters each Spring to engage the residents in art, community, and the beautification of the city of St. Charles, IL.

Each year, the public is invited take part in painting the large-scale design on Riverside Avenue in downtown St. Charles. The SCAC maps out the design prior to the public’s arrival, so that families can participant in a simple paint-by-numbers style to complete the design in just a few hours!

This year’s “Paint the Street” was designed by St. Charles East High School Student, Corinna Dietz. Corinna was an active volunteer in last year’s “Paint the Street,” and “Banners in the Park.” Corinna was paired with artist and mentor, Howard Russo, for the design process. Seeing a high school student’s design come to life through this city-wide project was nothing short of amazing!

The design also incorporated the 2026 “Paint the Street” Sponsor The Arcada who is celebrating their 100 years this September. The design colors are a nod to the Art Deco Style to marry Corinna’s design and The Arcada 100-year logo. You can view this year's design by heading or driving over to Riverside Avenue (at the intersection of Walnut) in downtown St. Charles.

Thank you to Earth Paint for providing the beautiful vibrant colors that will last until it’s time for next year’s design.

Wish you got a chance to participate? This community project takes place every May! To learn more about more amazing projects like “Paint the Street” explore our website or visit our physical location at 121 N. 2nd Street, St. Charles, IL.

For public sponsorship opportunities, contact Sharon Powers at exec@stcharlesartscouncil.org