UNION, IL — The Illinois Railway Museum (IRM) will host a major retrospective exhibition, “Under the Wire – The Art and Life of Mitch Markovitz,” showcasing more than 50 years of original paintings and posters by acclaimed artist Mitch Markovitz. The exhibit opens Sunday, April 12, 2026, with a public reception at 2:00 PM at the museum’s Post Office Gallery on Main Street.
Mitch Markovitz’s work is unique thanks to his dual career as both an accomplished artist and a professional railroader. Having worked as a brakeman, conductor, engineer, and art director on major railroads including the Chicago & North Western, Milwaukee Road, and South Shore Line informs his art and lends it a distinctive provenance. Markovitz’s bold style draws inspiration from classic 1920s and 1930s poster artists, capturing energy and technical accuracy derived from his working experience.
Exhibition Highlights
- Over five decades of original artwork and posters
- Many pieces depicting equipment preserved at IRM
- A featured anniversary painting: “Illinois Railway Museum – Since 1953”
- Two newly unveiled works dedicated and donated to the museum
- A distinctive look at the intersection of railroading and artistic expression
The exhibit will run throughout IRM’s 2026 operating season.
Opening Reception – April 12th
The public is invited to attend the opening reception:
Date: Sunday, April 12, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Main Street Post Office Gallery, Illinois Railway Museum
The event will feature remarks from Mitch Markovitz and the unveiling of new artwork created specifically for IRM.
About the Artist
Mitch Markovitz’s key contributions include design input for the original Metra system uniforms and serving as Founding Artist for the successful “Millennium South Shore Posters.” He was invested as a Sagamore of the Wabash, the State of Indiana’s highest honor, in February 2024 by Governor Eric Holcomb for his economic and cultural impact in the region.
About the Illinois Railway Museum
The Illinois Railway Museum, a “Museum in Motion,” is the largest museum of its kind in the United States. The museum was founded in 1953 and is located 35 miles northwest of O’Hare in Union, McHenry County. It encompasses all aspects of railway history including steam and diesel locomotives, electric streetcars, and historic passenger and freight cars. These are operated on the museum’s 150-acre site and 4.5-mile-long railroad. The museum, a 501(c)3 nonprofit educational organization, is owned and operated by volunteers. IRM relies entirely on visitors and donors to fund its preservation efforts. For more information on the Museum and its mission, visit www.irm.org/mission
