BCEF’S 2024-25 Art on Main Wraps Up with BHS Installation

Junior Olivia Meer has her artwork displayed in downtown Batesville.

Photo provided.

(Batesville, Ind.) - The fourth and final mural in the Batesville Community Education Foundation’s (BCEF) 2024-25 Art on Main student art program in downtown Batesville has been installed for public viewing on the side of the Simons Company building on Main Street.

Batesville High School (BHS) junior Olivia Meer created the depiction of a covered bridge using acrylic paints, which was then reproduced as a wall mural for installation.

“Some of the murals from the other school buildings this year have been montages, but I wanted mine to be a little bit different,” Meer explained. “I sought to create art that reflected this year’s theme of ‘It’s an Indiana Thing’ in a more subtle way and show something I had a personal connection with. I really enjoy driving through covered bridges, so I think you could say that my artwork is not only an Indiana thing but also a little bit of an Olivia Meer thing. I enjoyed this opportunity to bring my own approach to this project.”

BCEF’s Art on Main program highlights artwork from students from the four Batesville Community School Corporation school buildings on a rotating basis. Special thanks from BCEF goes to Jimmy Rowland from Rowland Graphics, who donates his company’s time to install every mural, and Nick Maple, owner of the building, who provides the use of his location for the display. In addition, the foundation appreciates the assistance of BHS art teacher Andrea Grimsley and the support of principal Andy Allen. BCEF board members Jama Linkel-Cleghorn and Ryan Holcomb are volunteer coordinators of the program. The BHS mural will be on display all summer until a new cycle begins with artwork from Batesville Primary School in the fall.

For more information about Art on Main or any of BCEF’s programs, contact BCEF executive director Anne Wilson at awilson@batesville.k12.in.us.