"Exposure" exhibit | Nov. 10-Dec. 11, 2025
The Trutter Museum & Murray Gallery at LLCC is hosting the exhibit “Exposure” featuring artwork by Springfield native John Muchow Nov. 10-Dec. 11. The public is invited to view the exhibit weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Muchow’s professional lens focuses on steel and glass. As a freelance architectural photographer, he transforms an architect’s vision into eye-catching two-dimensional compositions. His work has been commissioned by builders, medical professionals and companies across central Illinois, appearing in competitions, promotional materials and print publications as well as on websites.
His journey into photography began in his youth, inspired by a love of travel and a mother’s creative solution to his “lack of storytelling skills” — a camera. That gift led him to the Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, California, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in photography.
Although Muchow’s first passion was nature photography, practical advice from a professor steered him toward architectural portraiture when he returned to Springfield. His personal photography continues to explore the art of the natural world while retaining glimpses of architectural sensibilities. His approach — anchored in composition and light — remains consistent whether capturing a building or the landscape.
In addition to his professional work, Muchow has shared his expertise with students at Robert Morris University and is currently teaching photography at the University of Illinois Springfield
Philip and Mary Kathryn Trutter Museum within the James Murray Gallery
The Philip and Mary Kathryn Trutter Museum has been in existence since 2004. In 2021, the Trutter Museum was transformed with the goal to maintain the strong name, identity and presence of the Philip and Mary Kathryn Trutter Museum, while uniting the Trutter collection with the space that is currently the James Murray Gallery in Menard Hall on LLCC’s main campus. This museum is a tribute to individuals who shared a great love for travel and education. We continue to celebrate a love for learning and the arts in a new location. By reimagining the Trutter Museum, students will have greater access to the collection and it will eventually be incorporated in art history courses. Moving the Trutter Museum to a better, high-traffic area on campus meets the goal to share the collection with students and others who may never get to travel but can travel the world through the Trutter Museum.
Melding the Trutter Museum with the James Murray Gallery reinvigorates and creates excitement about the arts on our campus and in the communities we serve. The museum and gallery features works from the Trutter Collection and pieces by guest artists, students and faculty. Phil Trutter was a student of James Murray. What an incredible connection to share with our students, faculty, staff and community.
Exhibitions
Exhibitions are scheduled and coordinated through the LLCC Humanities, Arts, Communication and English, 217-786-2286.
Getting to the museum/gallery
The Trutter Museum & Murray Gallery is located on the second floor of Menard Hall on LLCC's Springfield campus. View the location of Menard Hall on the campus map.