Carol Johnson, Southern Indiana Business Report
Across Indiana, plain, painted building walls are coming to life with images of places that make our communities unique. Public art, and in particular murals, blend history, flavor and local quirks into a colorful welcome mat for visitors.
The Indiana Destination Development Corporation’s (IDDC) IN Indiana Public Art and Placemaking Grants recently announced the completion of more than 30 public art projects by local organizations, including three projects in the Radius Indiana region.
Funded by the state, the IDDC Public Art Activation Grant supports Indiana-specific public artwork.
Three murals in Dubois and Daviess counties were completed and funded by the IDDC:
- Destination Huntingburg located at 401 Fourth St. in Huntingburg – Artist: Elizabeth Wertman;
- Discover Downtown Washington located at 107 E Main St. in Washington – Artist: Barb Stahl
- Main Street Jasper located at the alley on the corner of the Courthouse Square on Main Street in Jasper – Artist: Elizabeth Wertman (Blondebrush)
Wertman, who lives in Dubois County, has been a full-time artist and muralist since 2021.
“The public art here in my home county has changed so much and I’m grateful to the IDDC for that opportunity,” Wertman said. “Because without that I don’t think we’d have this.”
Washington’s new mural includes images of the courthouse and downtown. Main Street Jasper’s mural features two children dancing, a hot air balloon and the Astra Theater.
“It’s really fun to see color and life, quirkiness or history brought into the area,” said Wertman. “I’m sure lots of communities wouldn’t be able to do this without the grant program.”
“These projects help showcase Indiana’s diversity, charm and character,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “Incorporating traditions, values and the unique wonders within each corner of the Hoosier state pays profound homage to Indiana’s rich history and brings it to life in the form of a work of art.”
Public artwork created in partnership with artists features the IN Indiana campaign. The non-matching grant funded public art projects up to $10,000. This is a matching grant of up to $25,000 to fund signage and placemaking efforts.
In 2024, IDDC has allocated funds for the IN Indiana Placemaking Activation Grant and the Indiana Destination Development Grant, with applications due on Feb. 2, 2024. Learn more at VisitIndiana.com/Grants.
“Seeing these wonderful projects completed is such a joy,” said Elaine Bedel, IDDC Secretary and CEO. “Each organization, location and community we collaborated with has a unique story to tell, and what better way to tell that story than by bringing it to life for visitors and residents to experience as a work of art.”
Projects were selected based on location and visibility to Indiana residents and visitors, with preference given to locations in high-view areas and places that create potential photo opportunities.To view all the final murals, go to VisitIndiana.com/murals.