About me

I'm Nora Reuter, the artist behind Nora Kate Paints, a mural and fine art business rooted in northern Illinois. I've been painting murals professionally since 2011, and in that time I've created hundreds of them across northern and central Illinois, turning blank walls, storefronts, and garage doors into artwork that brings communities together.

My career started in Chicago's Wrigleyville neighborhood, where I spent nine seasons at Murphy's Bleachers and painted murals for bars around Wrigley Field. Those years taught me a lot about bold color, crisp lettering, and designs that grab attention from across the street. In 2018 I came home to Dixon to be closer to my family and marry the love of my life. In 2025 I added the best title yet: Mom.

Since 2014, I've painted custom holiday windows for businesses throughout the Sauk Valley. It's one of my favorite seasonal traditions, because I believe small businesses are the heart of our communities and deserve to be celebrated. Beyond murals and windows, I create commissioned paintings, craft custom awards, and paint sculptures and bike posts. I also illustrated the children's book My First Trip to the Bleachers, which follows a child's first visit to Wrigley Field.

Art education has always been a big part of my creative life. At Brave Arts Creative Studio, I bring craft and paint parties to my community and serve as a resource for teachers and families looking for art education.

I'm an active member of the Discover Dixon Arts Coalition and was honored to be named one of the Dixon Chamber's "4 Under 40" in 2020. If you're wondering how one person keeps all of this straight, the honest answer is that I don't always. I usually have way too many projects going at once, and no two days ever look the same. Some days I'm up on a ladder painting a wall, some days I'm gluing glitter onto awards at the kitchen table, and some days it's both before lunch.

Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see what I'm up to next!