“I have loved Paint the Town ever since I was a little girl!”
This year’s event t-shirt Peace, Love, Paint is the creation of graphic artist and Morrison, IL, native, Gracen Harmon. A 2020 graduate of Morrison High School, she is a recent graduate of Northern Illinois University, with a BS degree in Science and an emphasis in Visual Communication and Marketing. She also holds an Associate in Arts degree from Sauk Valley Community College.
Harmon’s love for Paint the Town has continued to grow, from that little girl painting a square each year. She says, “I made it my mission to get more involved in Paint the Town.” Throughout Junior High and High School, she joined her fellow Art class students to design and paint downtown windows–even helping to guide some of the Junior High creations.
As her own artistic sense was expanding and developing, she was determined to one day design the artwork for the event t-shirt. In 2023, just before graduation from Northern Illinois University, Gracen joined the Paint the Town Board to assist with social media awareness and marketing.
This year, Harmon’s Art background is front-and-center. Her design was selected as the official event t-shirt, to reflect the 2024 Paint the Town theme. Peace, Love, Paint is an homage to the 1960s and early 1970s cultural revolution.
“Gracen perfectly captured the vibe we were looking for!” said Paint the Town Co-Chairman Barb Bees. She’s made the 60s era come alive on Morrison’s historic Main Street. We look forward to working with Gracen’s future designs!”
She is excited about realizing that dream of designing a Paint the Town shirt. “I was so excited to work with the project and see it come to life before my eyes. “I’m so proud of how it came out. I hope everyone enjoys this year’s Paint the Town.”
In addition to her art, she manages “Peanut Butter & Deli” on E. Main Street. Stop by, grab some good eats or a smoothie creation, and congratulate her on her dream come true!
Register to paint a square on Morrison’s Main Street, and get one of Gracen’s t-shirt: https://paintthetownmorrison.com.
Morrison High School students Zayley Boonstra and Maddie Mertes painted the image of Gracen Harmon’s t-shirt, on the window of The Loft on Main, 112 E. Main Street.