The festivities in Marshall have come to a close,
as the “From Here To Eternity” festival wrapped up Sunday.
But it’s not just about the artists and what they brought to the town, it’s
the lasting impact they leave behind.

Citizens, art lovers, and painters descended on Marshall Illinois this week.
A combination of skill, and community pride was put into every mural.
But it’s not just about the physical impact on Marshall, but the emotional one.
For Noel Weber and Jay Allen, who’ve traveled the globe painting murals for more than 20 years,
it’s about passing it on…

“That’s how we started we were that age too, so maybe she is a budding artist someday just because of this weekend.
And that’s who we hope to reach, younger people and let them understand the value of public art, public spaces and their history,” says Allen, Walldog Muralist from Rockford, Illinois.

This collection of history, art, and pride came together to make this event a success.
For Walldog Muralist Anat Ronen, who moved to Houston 10 years ago from Israel.
She says she loves the creative buzz it brings.
Taking a little piece of local history with her when she moves on.

“It’s a very personal thing, it’s not something that oh let me come and paint
Something pretty for you, it’s actually something that you know about,” says Ronen.

For artists, like Brenda Manor, it’s about an emotional farewell.
Francisco Vargas, a friend and former Walldog passed away last year from terminal cancer.
Now his memory will forever be engrained in this work of art. This piece will travel to Delavan Wisconsin
near Francisco’s final resting place. All the Walldogs signed Francisco’s mural as a final goodbye.

“His goal was to create the largest stamp mural, which his first stamp mural was in his hometown,
And his last was in my hometown. We wanted to pay tribute to him and capture him in the same respect.
Obviously he will always be forever a Walldog, forever in our hearts,” says Manor.

And something his daughters feel he would’ve loved to be a part of…

“Every signature that’s on there, he really admired
Their work and loved to be with them every year,” says Christina Vargas.

“They take their time and dedicate their skills into something for my dad.
I’m very very just honored and i think my dad would be incredibly honored too. I mean, you’re just lost for words,” says Serena Vargas.

The Walldogs have created over 500 murals, in 28 towns, over the past 22 years.
Their next stop… Butler Pennsylvania on July 27 th.