MARSHALL, Ill. (WCIA) — For the last 16 years, the Gaslight Art Colony in Marshall has welcomed artists of all ages. It’s a non-profit keeping creative brains busy and art exhibitions alive.

“I’ve always been considered more of a painter,” Jo Rich-Vadas, a founding member of the gallery, described. “When we were thinking of a name, we had just gotten the new cityscape, and there’s a gaslight right out the front of the door.”

Since 2009, the non-profit has been an outlet for the arts. There are more than 150 adult members and more than 50 students.

“It’s been a dream come true,” Rich-Vadas said.

From the artwork hanging in the gallery on the inside, to pieces of art scattered across the community outside. If you look closely throughout Marshall, you’ll find 40 painted lions all spread out. It’s a nod to the high school mascot and the organizations making the community so unique.

“There’s one at Cork Medical Center with a surgical mask on it. There’s one at the police station with a police uniform on,” John Hasten, the city’s mayor, explained.

Whether the artists are picking up a paintbrush, weaving something together, or creating art for the entire community, Rich-Vadas hopes others can find calm in the creation just like she has over the years.

“I think art is very important,” she said. “It’s a great outlet for people.”

The WCIA team will be in Marshall at the city’s Autumn Festival on Friday from 5-7 p.m. The festivities continue on Saturday and Sunday as well.

The Gaslight Art Colony is part of the festival as well. Members are hosting the “Black Light Glow Show” to include work from students of all ages. For more details, click this link.