A Brush with History

Ottawa's "A Brush With History" was established to support the mural beautifully created by internationally-known muralist John Pugh on the historic Central Life Building. 

The community’s public art mural program, aptly called Ottawa’s a brush with history, was started in 2000 in an effort to revive Ottawa’s once famously bustling downtown that was devastated by the long recession of the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, leaving over half of the big, beautiful buildings vacant and a dwindling population count. 

Starting a brush with history led to other fabulous downtown improvements like upgrading of existing buildings, improved lighting, beautiful landscaping , additional sculptures and an active, engaged, volunteer citizenry. 

Today Ottawa’s downtown is back to bustling and the population is on the rise. 

Financial donations may also be mailed or made in person at our office 241 Marquette St, LaSalle, IL 61301. If you prefer to make a financial contribution by mail, please make your check payable to SRCCF. For more information about the Ottawa's A Brush With History Fund, please contact (815)252-2906.