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Radio Maria Art Gallery. Paintings by Brian Reedy. Photo by James Kyung

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Radio Maria »
Address: 119 N. Walnut St. Champaign, IL 61821
Phone: (217) 398-7729
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Radio Maria has more to offer than great food and drinks. Gracing the walls of the restaurant is an ever-revolving supply of local artwork for customers to feast their eyes on.

Owners David and Sharon Spears are both artists, so it was only natural for them to incorporate not only their own art but other artwork into their culinary venture. Including others’ artwork was an inherent part of their idea for the restaurant. “We’re keenly interested, as artists,” David said.

Sharon, a painter, created the unique tabletops, and some of her own work hangs on the walls. David, as a sculptor and self-proclaimed salvage artist, constructed the bar and one-of-a-kind beer fountain from his own invention and found materials.

Beyond their own artistic endeavors, David and Sharon like to include a wide variety of artwork from new and established artists working in the area. Keeping things moving on roughly a monthly basis, there is an ever-changing display of all sorts of genres. To be considered for display, David said to “just come on by.” The staff is happy to receive examples of artists’ work to be considered.

Furthermore, they are always looking for new ways to incorporate art into the place. Due to space, the restaurant lends itself more easily to painting and other traditional forms of two-dimensional media. However, David said he’s looking for video artists, having come up with a new idea about how to display this kind of work.

Beyond giving area artists exposure, Radio Maria also explores ways to give back to the community through art. Earlier this year, the restaurant showcased children’s artwork from local grade schools to raise money for Crisis Nursery, an organization for the prevention of child abuse.

The artwork in Radio Maria is not only there to give diners something to look at but also to expand their interest in art or at least inspire any kind of creativity within them. “The creative process is such an important thing,” David said. “The art here offers a good way for people to interact with the world around them and incorporate it into their lives.”

Radio Maria is located at 119 N Walnut St, C.