Downtown Batesville is experiencing a colorful transformation, courtesy of its young artists. The Batesville Community Education Foundation has relaunched its Art on Main program, and the first mural of the 2025/2026 initiative has just been unveiled. Stretching vibrantly across the side of the Simons Company building, this piece signals not only the program’s return but also the community’s commitment to fostering creativity among the youth.
Art on Main isn’t just about beautifying the city—it’s a platform where student imagination takes center stage in a public setting. The mural project provides local students with a chance to express their perspectives through large-scale works that brighten the downtown’s streetscape. Being featured in such a prominent location can be a powerful confidence booster for young artists and can introduce them to the broader role that art plays in shaping community identity.
One particularly exciting aspect of this initiative is how it bridges generations. While the artwork is produced by students, it’s appreciated by the entire community. Batesville residents, both longtime locals and visitors, get to witness the changing pulse of the town through the fresh lens of emerging talent. This recurring project becomes an annual conversation piece, inviting everyone to pause and reflect on the themes and stories being shared visually.
What makes this year’s kickoff especially significant is the longer-term vision it suggests. Murals are more than decorations—they’re narratives rooted in place and time. As the Art on Main program continues to evolve, it holds the potential to archive the cultural and emotional milestones of Batesville’s students. These works will eventually reflect not just artistic skill, but also the thoughts, challenges, and aspirations of a new generation growing up in a small but proud Indiana town.
Reviving Art on Main is a testament to Batesville’s belief in youth and the importance of community expression. As more murals are planned for the coming years, this program stands as a celebration of education, creativity, and civic pride. Downtown buildings may be made of brick and mortar, but thanks to initiatives like this, they now also tell stories—in vivid color and youthful passion.