Much like his eclectic collection, Joel Ommen is one of kind. A Richwoods graduate, the lifelong Peorian spent more than three decades at Peoria Plastics before taking on his current role as a warehouse worker for Caterpillar in Morton. Ommen escapes from the daily grind by surrounding himself with art, from local treasures to ancient artifacts to just downright quirky pieces. With a penchant for history—especially British history—he enjoys any opportunity to learn and is continually collecting in a quest to quench his thirst for knowledge and to promote the abundance of talent found right here in central Illinois.
- Favorite artist: Preston Jackson. There is so much breadth and depth to his work—it makes a statement… It does not make one feel good, it makes one think (or should)! It brings up things that we often don’t want to think about.
- What talent would you most like to have? Artistic talent. I can’t draw a crooked line.
- Biggest regret? Not going to college and becoming a teacher.
- Three things you’d want on a desert island: The Bible, plenty of food and water, and lots of books.
- First car: Helga, a red Volvo.
- What famous person, dead or alive, would you like to meet? Dead: Martin Luther, of the Protestant Reformation. He changed the world and stood up to world powers. Alive: Queen Elizabeth II. It would be ‘wow’ to meet her. If only she would open up, especially about the abdication of Edward VIII…
- When and where were you your happiest? Jacksonville as a child, visiting my grandfather and cousins. Also, playing with Jimmy, my oldest friend.
- What would you do with a million dollars? Give some away, remodel my house and buy art.
- Last movie you watched:The King’s Speech.
- Favorite retreat: My cousin’s in the country—65 acres, three ponds, fantastic fishing… horses, cats, dogs, chickens, deer and swans. a&s
