Love local art? Challenge yourself!
Kosciusko County Indiana has a vibrant art scene with an array of public murals that showcase the town’s rich history and culture. These murals are stunning and colorful which adds character and beauty to the surroundings. Whether you’re strolling downtown or exploring the outskirts of the city, you’re sure to stumble upon one of these beautiful public art pieces. In this blog, you’ll learn about the local artists who created them and the stories that inspired them.
Imagine Warsaw by Erica Deuel
“‘Imagine Warsaw’ demonstrates things can be messy, yet beautiful,” said Deuel, Spoonful of Imagination owner. “Art creation has no age qualification, and we are all works in progress. Artists of all ages created that mural. Imagine the possibilities when people use their gifts to bring something to life.”
“The camaraderie built during a project knits the community together in pride and love. The mural creates a life ‘bookmark’ – a place for family photos. The business donations — Lee Brothers’ paint and Lowery’s wall space — show it takes a village to help everyone prosper.”
Mount Etna Green by Robert Hudson
Hudson’s murals dot the nation, and Kosciusko County boasts five of them. Works in Etna Green and downtown Mentone are in the Public Art Trail Challenge Passport.
“Art should take you places you haven’t been, not reflect what you see in everyday life,” he said. “Etna Green requested the church, fence, horses, and fall foliage, and then gave me artistic discretion. I played upon the town’s name and painted the profile of Mt. Etna, the volcano in Italy.
“Mentone asked me to show the early days when the town was a bit more rugged. They used to push cattle through town to the train that took them to Chicago for slaughter. The longhorn cattle were my artistic expression and yearning for my cowboy days in Idaho.”
Syracuse Summertime by Tammy Kratzer & Katherine Kratzer
Sisters-in-law Tammy and Katherine share a love of art and engaging with their community. “It was a no-brainer when we were asked by the Syracuse Chamber of Commerce to create the ‘Summertime Syracuse’ mural uptown,” Tammy said. “Conklin Bay Boardwalk and Trail so inspired us with its beauty and its many views of a unique wetland ecosystem. Spectacular colors, a hovering dragonfly, and thriving native plants in the mural represent what you will encounter when visiting the Lake Wawasee Trail and Conklin Bay Boardwalk.”
Payton’s Wings by Christi Ziebarth
“Payton’s Wings,” a colorful Monarch butterfly mural with a nine-foot wingspan, graces the north greenway of Winona Lake Limitless Park.
“In spring 2021, following the passing of 10-year-old cancer warrior Payton Slaymaker, I was working with Claypool Elementary, hosting therapeutic painting workshops to create a butterfly memorial at the school’s entryway,” Ziebarth said. “Then Winona Lake invited me to extend the legacy of her wings to an outdoor community setting. My son, Brandon, is Payton’s age. Together, we painted it during a hot June week. Now, thousands of kids and adults have posed in front of the photo-op wings, inspired by a picture of Payton doing the same at summer camp. ‘Payton would have loved it’ said her sister, Avery.
“People here are not content to stand by — they stop and talk. That’s why I brought my son with me to paint. Art becomes a conduit to common ground and connective conversation. I wanted him to experience the kindness of our community.”
Public Art Trail Challenge Passport
Imagine viewing beautiful art throughout Kosciusko County – while earning a chance for $100 to spend at Village at Winona. Sign up for the Public Art Trail Challenge Passport set off on your artistic journey.
It’s free to sign up and if you check in at least 5 public art locations, you will win a free pair of sunglasses! If you visit all 31 locations, you will be entered into our grand prize drawing which is a $100 gift card to the Village at Winona. This drawing will be held on March 1st, 2024.
Join the Kosciusko County Public Art Trail Challenge Passport
All prizes are available while supplies last.
All Things Art Map
Also check out the accompanying All Things Art Map, which shows all the art-related resources in the area.
In conclusion, public art in Kosciusko County is a powerful tool for enhancing the community’s cultural identity and promoting local artists. Through public art installations, residents and visitors alike can appreciate the beauty and diversity of the county’s artistic expressions. Moreover, public art can catalyze economic growth and community development. With proper planning and community involvement, public art can continue to be a source of inspiration and pride for generations to come.