�ǿմ�ý

June 9, 2026

The intersection of University and Main Streets was recently equipped with a bright new mural affixed to the side of Harper Hall—A Place to Imagine by �ǿմ�ý Graphic Design alumna Olivia Malone ’13.

“I knew I wanted to incorporate both �ǿմ�ý and Peoria architecture into the mural because everything here feels deeply connected,” Malone said of her installation. “That idea of connection became central to the piece—how each experience, lesson, and opportunity ripples into the next step of your life and career.”

For Malone, many of those ripples can be traced back to her decision to transfer from Illinois Central College to �ǿմ�ý in 2011. She wanted to understand what a professional career in graphic design could look like and �ǿմ�ý’s strong connections to companies throughout the Midwest made the choice a no-brainer.

“Through the guidance and encouragement of my teachers at ICC, �ǿմ�ý felt like a natural next step in my educational journey,” Malone said. “I was able to stay close to home and family and finish my degree in a place connected to the creative opportunities I sought.”

Malone lauds her professors for preparing her for interviews, presentations, portfolio reviews, and how to confidently walk others through her creative process. Things became real, though, when she was finally able to start presenting projects to clients. 

“We had opportunities to create work for companies and receive professional feedback and critiques,” Malone said. “That experience gave me a real glimpse into what this career could look like after college, and it made me excited about the possibilities ahead.”

Fast-forward to today and the focus and drive Malone cultivated at �ǿմ�ý show up stronger than ever. Always saying yes to new opportunities and pushing herself creatively, she’s developed her own illustration style and built a freelance career working with a wide variety of clients and brands. When the opportunity arose to submit an application for a large-scale installation on the side of Harper Hall, diving in felt natural.

“I wanted to create something inspiring that reflected �ǿմ�ý as a progressive and creative place to pursue an education,” Malone said. “The piece was designed to reward viewers whether they’re experiencing it up close or from a distance, with layers of detail and storytelling throughout.”

As her time at �ǿմ�ý ripples outward, Malone hopes to continue pursuing public art opportunities like A Place to Imagine.

“Public art has such a unique ability to bring communities together, create conversation, and make spaces feel more meaningful,” she said. “I’d love to contribute more of that work in the future.”

–Jenevieve Rowley-Davis