A Tribute to Horicon Works: Barany’s Mural Celebrates Products, History and Community
A new mural at John Deere’s Horicon Works is bringing the company’s history to life, and it was created by MIAD professor and alum James Barany ’92 (Drawing). The large-scale artwork stretches across multiple factory buildings along Wisconsin’s Rock River, showcasing the evolution of John Deere products while honoring the generations of employees who have helped shape the facility’s legacy.
Horicon Works Mural – James Barany photo courtesy of John Deere
For Barany, whose creative practice often explores memory, empathy and personal experience, the project reflects a longstanding interest in storytelling through visual art. A MIAD alum, Barany earned his MFA in Drawing/Painting from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and has taught at MIAD since 2000. Known for his enthusiasm in the classroom, he challenges students to take creative risks, develop their own ideas and build meaningful connections between their artistic practice and professional goals.
Horicon Works Mural Detail photo courtesy of John Deere
The Horicon Works mural adds to Barany’s growing body of public-facing work that connects art, history and community. According to John Deere, the mural serves as both a celebration of innovation and a tribute to the Horicon community. Visible from beyond the factory grounds, the artwork creates a connection between the facility, its workforce and the generations of families who have called the area home.
Horicon Works Mural Detail photo courtesy of John Deere
Read John Deere’s full story, Painting the Legacy of Horicon Works, to learn more about the project here.
Learn more about MIAD’s FYE: First Year Experience
A new mural at John Deere’s Horicon Works is bringing the company’s history to life, and it was created by MIAD professor and alum James Barany ’92 (Drawing). The large-scale artwork stretches across multiple factory buildings along Wisconsin’s Rock River, showcasing the evolution of John Deere products while honoring the generations of employees who have helped shape the facility’s legacy.
Horicon Works Mural – James Barany photo courtesy of John Deere
For Barany, whose creative practice often explores memory, empathy and personal experience, the project reflects a longstanding interest in storytelling through visual art. A MIAD alum, Barany earned his MFA in Drawing/Painting from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and has taught at MIAD since 2000. Known for his enthusiasm in the classroom, he challenges students to take creative risks, develop their own ideas and build meaningful connections between their artistic practice and professional goals.
The Horicon Works mural adds to Barany’s growing body of public-facing work that connects art, history and community. According to John Deere, the mural serves as both a celebration of innovation and a tribute to the Horicon community. Visible from beyond the factory grounds, the artwork creates a connection between the facility, its workforce and the generations of families who have called the area home.
Horicon Works Mural Detail photo courtesy of John Deere
Horicon Works Mural Detail photo courtesy of John Deere
Read John Deere’s full story, Painting the Legacy of Horicon Works, to learn more about the project here.
Learn more about MIAD’s FYE: First Year Experience
News
MIAD Alum Kelly Alexander Wendorf Brings Stories of Travel to Life Through Paper Cutting
For Kelly Alexander Wendorf, paper cutting is more than an artistic medium. It's a way to explore memory, movement and human connection through intricately layered works of art. A MIAD alum who studied printmaking, Wendorf recently created a series of large-scale...
Behind In a State of IF: A Collaborative Curatorial Journey
“In a State of IF”, on view in MIAD’s Frederick Layton Gallery through November 21, is the result of a years-long collaboration between co-curators Maria Novotny and Katherine Gressel.
MIAD Alum Kyle Nesbitt Blends Storytelling, Design and Brewing
For MIAD alumnus Kyle Nesbitt ’09 (Industrial Design), creativity has never been limited to a single discipline. Through Nezbittar, a project nearly a decade in the making, he combines design, illustration, branding, photography and craft beer into a singular creative venture.
Moonlight Retreat Builds Connection
Since 2018, MIAD faculty member Naomi Shersty has been creating space for artists and nonartists alike to step away from the demands of everyday life and reconnect through creativity, community and nature.
Containment Breach Selected for ICON13 Motion Commotion Screening
Parker Deutsch ’26 (Illustration – Animation Track) recently had the animated short “Containment Breach” selected for screening in Motion Commotion, part of ICON13, the Illustration Conference. The showcase features innovative animation and motion-based work from illustrators and animators across the field.