Water Street Studio’s Batavia Public Art Initiative will officially unveil the City of Good Energy mural behind The Comedy Vault from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4.
The public is invited to celebrate with complimentary drinks and snacks, music, and a drop-in art craft. There will be an artist meet and greet. Artwork, prints, and ceramics will be available for sale.
The new mural was painted with the help of more than 70 volunteers on the south wall of The Comedy Vault, 18 E. Wilson Street, in September.
Designed by muralist and art educator Amy Decker, the 24-by-20-foot mural was selected from more than 30 artist submissions. Community volunteers assisted in painting the mural in a paint-by-number format with project manager Josh Schultz and color specialist Rebekah Axtel supervising.
With vivid scenes of riverfront life, family, and nature, the mural will serve as a colorful gateway to downtown Batavia and a tribute to the city’s creative spirit.
Committee members are Bonnie Baumgartner, Sabrina Martin, Rebecca Allen, Abby Beck, Lori Botterman, Bill McGrath, Ellyn Theis, and Anita Wolff.
Baumgartner, who sits on Water Street Studio’s board of directors, worked on a public fundraising campaign for the mural this past summer. Community donations were boosted by the support of The Marconi Family, Byus Steel Inc., Sturdy Shelter, and the City of Batavia.
Baumgartner said she is thankful to be part of the team and that Water Street Studios is committed to bringing public art to the community.
“What used to be a drab wall is now a vibrant work of art that reminds every onlooker of all the good we have here, from our beautiful setting to the positive nature of the individuals who call Batavia home,” she said.
For more information, visit waterstreetstudios.org.
—Water Street Studios