The Druien family of Milledgeville, IL, returned for a second year, to decorate four storefront windows at Kunes Country of Morrison, 627 E. Lincolnway, Morrison, IL. Kunes Technician Justin Druien accompanied his wife (not photographed) and two daughters to the dealership on Monday, November 6, 2017, to begin sketching their artwork. They are photographed painting on Tuesday, November 7. Kunes Receptionist Nancy Stuart, below right, volunteered again; she painted the snowman on the east window.
The Druiens chose illustrations from the charming 1985 children’s book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg. The Chamber of Commerce Christmas Walk theme this year is named for the book.
Dad and 10th grader Krystal, 16, depict the moment Santa Claus gave the unnamed boy his Christmas wish: “What I wanted more than anything was one silver bell from Santa’s sleigh.” Santa declared it, “The first gift of Christmas!”
Fifth grader Hailey Druien, 11, worked on the iconic reindeer harness bell, which “still rings for me [the narrator] as it does for all who truly believe.” Her mother, Wendy, began painting a snowman on the west window. The Druien family returned Monday, November 13, and finished the murals over the next few days.
