The Batavia Public Art Initiative (BPAI), a subcommittee of Water Street Studios, has announced an exciting new public art installation: The City of Good Energy mural, soon to be painted on the south wall of The Comedy Vault, 18 E. Wilson Street, Batavia.
Designed by muralist and art educator Amy Decker of Hinkley-Big Rock High School, the mural was selected from more than 30 artist submissions in a highly competitive process. The installation will take place in September 2025 through a paint-by-number volunteer effort, followed by a community reveal celebration from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4.
“This mural represents everything we love about Batavia — its energy, its creativity, and its strong sense of community,” said Bonnie Baumgartner, Water Street Studios board member and co-chair of the BPAI. “Public art has the power to bring people together, and we’re thrilled to see this vision come to life with the help of our volunteers.”
“This wall has been part of my family’s story for decades, and I can’t think of a better way to honor my father and our community than by turning it into a symbol of Batavia’s spirit,” said Michael Marconi, owners’ representative of the building where the mural will be painted. “We are proud to host this landmark artwork.”
The mural will span approximately 24 feet by 20 feet, serving as a colorful welcome to residents and visitors arriving in downtown Batavia. The artwork will celebrate Batavia’s identity as a friendly, active, and creative community — home to multigenerational families, vibrant nature, and a thriving culture of artists and makers.
The community is invited to help paint the mural in a supervised, paint-by-number format. Details and volunteer sign-up are available at
waterstreetstudios.org/public-art.
— Water Street Studios