Washington and Loogootee use grants to enhance their downtowns
Carol Johnson, Southern Indiana Business Report
For five years, Samantha Killough looked at the blah wall of her A Touch of Heaven building envisioning something more.
The space on Washington’s Main Street was perfect for a mural, but Killough didn’t have the money to hire a professional artist to design and paint the exterior.
Then she learned about a state program to fund public art. Radius Indiana also offered a public art incentive of $2,500 to Radius communities selected by the state.
She applied for a grant and in May her business was awarded $5,000 from the Indiana Destination Development Corporation (IDDC); she also received $2,500 from Radius Indiana. She worked with the Washington High School Art Club to discuss ideas and designs and the mural is now nearly complete.
“It’s so amazing what the students have done,” Killough said. “A lot of people are watching the progress of their work.”
The design features images of Washington – a tractor for agriculture, longhorn cattle, the lighthouse from Eastside Park and Daviess County’s historic round barn.
Giving people downtown a chance to interact and take photos with the mural is also a goal, so a set of wings and a large sunflower were incorporated into the design.
Misty Weisensteiner, COO of Discover Southern Indiana, said murals add beauty to public spaces, create a sense of welcoming and create the perfect photo opportunity for residents and visitors.
“It’s a great way to spread the word about a community and draw new interest, she said. “Not only do murals create beautiful works of art on what was once a blank dull wall, they create a sense of welcoming and add additional character to a community.”
The Loogootee Eye Center on Main Street also received an IDDC public art grant. Owners Dr. Michael and Samantha Alvarez hired a mural artist to complete their project. Their mural reads, ‘Loogootee, Indiana, a small city with a big heart. Dr. Michael Alvarez 2022’ and is styled like an eye exam chart.
The Loogootee Beautification Committee received a grant in 2021 from AARP’s Community Challenge to paint a large mural on the side of a vacant building.
Funds for public art
In 2022, the IDDC funded 49 public art projects in 34 counties across the state. The grant total was more than $242,000.
“It’s amazing to see so many cities, towns, destination marketing organizations, private businesses and others apply for this public art grant and want to enhance their communities through art,” Indiana Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch said in a press release. “These pieces can tell a community’s unique story that engages with first-time visitors and builds pride with long-time residents.”
Projects selected were based on location and visibility to Indiana residents and visitors.
Killough’s downtown Christian books and gift store is located on a busy stretch of highway, making it a prime spot for a mural.
“We’ve wanted to do this for a while,” Killough said.
The best part, she said, has been working with the art club students.
“This is something everyone will see and remember our town for and these kids can say, ‘I did that.’”
Murals around Southern Indiana
Fall is a great time to check out the many cities and towns in the eight Radius Indiana counties with murals while also taking in the fall foliage.
Here’s a sampling:
Salem: This mural at 1008 S. High St. depicts six women from Salem who were pioneers in Washington County and beyond.
Loogootee: Slusser building mural on East Main Street and the Loogootee Eye Center
Mitchell: Corner of Sixth and Main streets pays homage to Spring Mill State Park and Gus Grissom.
Bedford: Corner of 16th and H streets, highlights limestone, astronauts and basketball.
Huntingburg: Drawings by school children make up a new mural at 307 E. Fourth St.
Jasper: On Newton Street, 200 years of German heritage, farming and rail transportation are depicted.
French Lick: This Orange County town has a couple of murals, including a new one in the works that will depict two baseball players born in French Lick and West Baden.
Milltown: Depicts images inspired by the Blue River
Orleans: Located in downtown near Congress Square
Greene County: Not all public art is a mural. The Sculpture Trails Outdoor Museum in Solsberry features more than 150 sculptures.