Harrison Cut-off, Landmark stop point at Benton, Illinois.
The Harrison Cut-off is a large-scale plywood mural in Benton, Illinois, portraying George Harrison in photorealistic style. The installation stands on the outskirts of town as a freestanding artwork visible from the local road network.
Created by artist John Cerney in 2017, the mural commemorates a 1963 visit when George Harrison traveled to see his sister Louise in this town. This visit made him the first Beatles member to set foot on American soil.
The mural depicts George Harrison alongside admirers and captures a moment before the band became a household name in America. It reveals how local people might have encountered a musician who would later become globally recognized.
The mural is easily accessible from Interstate 57, using exit 71 and heading east on Main Street toward the location. From there, traveling north across the highway via Airport Lane brings you to the artwork.
The artwork displays visible weathering marks from exposure to the elements, giving it an aged and authentic appearance. This natural aging process has become part of the piece itself and adds to its character over time.
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