A Dutch Masterpiece Blooms in Glenview

Glenview, IL – The mystery behind the massive tarps that shrouded the Glen View House last week has finally been revealed.

World-famous Dutch artist Collin van der Sluijs was in town to paint a stunning floral mural on the south side of the historic building. The project, which took place the week of Monday, July 6, 2026, covered the back of the building along with the newly constructed (150-seat, two-story steel beam) deck in tarp.

While speculation ran high among locals, Foxtail Restaurant officials kept the artist’s involvement under wraps—largely to keep dust from drifting into the work area.However, the cat is now out of the bag, and the reaction from the local art community has been one of sheer delight.

Deb Anderson, president of the Glenview Art League and an admirer of the modern-day Dutch master’s work, expressed her excitement. “I am surprised and thrilled to see this,” Anderson said. “I’m excited to have this here in Glenview. It looks beautiful.”

The Foxtail at Glenview House, located at 1843 Glenview Road, is set to be a major culinary destination when it opens its doors in May 2027. The Mediterranean coastal restaurant will span 7,000 square feet inside the 1878 building, featuring a main dining room, multiple bars, and the massive double-decker patio recently concealed by the artist's tarp.

The Artist’s Perspective

For van der Sluijs, who currently resides in Maastricht and runs Galerie Groen Licht, this project was another opportunity to scale new heights.

The artist, who has spent eight years studying various art disciplines across the Netherlands, noted how the mural scene has evolved since he began his career.“The way I work hasn’t changed over the years, but what I observe has,” said van der Sluijs. “I started with gallery work around 1990—growing from small shows to bigger shows. I see how things change, like murals going mainstream.

More artists working out of the box.”Reflecting on his artistic journey, he added: “Growing as an artist doesn't necessarily mean 'growing up' from the things that fascinated us as children. Sometimes, it just means finding a bigger wall to scale.”A Growing Mural Movement.

The painting is part of a larger push to bring public art to the village.

The Village of Glenview currently has three murals approved for the downtown district, with expectations to approve ten in total. The Glenview Art League is actively working on a community mural project nearby, with the first piece slated for the side of the Jimmy John’s on Glenview Road near Waukegan Avenue.

“We've been working on a community mural project just down the road,” Anderson confirmed.“Residents have been sharing their interest in murals for years, so it's very exciting to see projects going up,” added Anderson.

Local residents are also embracing the new artwork. Glenview artist Robin Andrews, who lives in the downtown district, spotted the mural Saturday night while walking her dog, Leo.

“I love that the work blends with the brick,” Andrews commented.

A Global Talent in the Suburbs

Van der Sluijs is well-known in Chicago for his striking, dreamlike murals depicting regional wildlife and his ongoing collaborative relationship with the Vertical Gallery.

Notable works include a massive mural in the South Loop featuring the endangered red-headed woodpecker and the yellow-headed blackbird, as well as the "Tribute to Rachel Ruysch" mural.

To see more of Sluijs' work, follow him on Instagram at @collinvandersluijs or search “Collin van der Sluijs murals.”

Follow the Glenview Art League at @glenviewartleague on Instagram or Facebook to learn more about the downtown Glenview mural project or the art league's annual art show this coming weekend on Waukegan Road.