The Peace Plays mural project brought together students from across Peoria Public Schools, giving them the chance to work together on a public piece centered around hope, community, and civic pride. Peoria High School students helped lead the project while mentoring younger artists from Trewyn, Sterling, Lincoln, and Von Steuben throughout the creation of the mural.
The project was led by Peoria High School art instructors Joe Orteza and Meredith Popp through the Peace Plays in Peoria initiative, which uses art and collaboration to encourage conversations about community, leadership, and violence prevention. Incoming Peoria Police Chief Brad Dixon accepted the mural on behalf of the Peoria Police Department and shared his appreciation for the students’ work and message.
Students will visit Peoria Police Headquarters next week to meet with Chief Dixon, tour the building, and continue conversations about leadership, community involvement, and how art can help bring people together. The mural now stands as a lasting reminder of the impact young people can have on their city through creativity, collaboration, and service.
