Four local businesses recently received state grant funding to install public art projects throughout Nashville.
The Indiana Destination Development Corporation (IDDC) recently announced that more than $242,000 was distributed in 34 counties for funding of 49 public art projects. Organizations were awarded a non-matching grant of up to $5,000 to fund the public art projects in their community:
Among the organizations awarded locally in Brown county are the Brown County Visitors Center, Hard Truth Distillery, Mulberry Cottage and Quaff ON! Brewery.
Recipients were announced in a press release last month.
“These pieces can tell a community’s unique story that engages with first-time visitors and builds pride with longtime residents,” Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch said in the release.
In order to be considered, applicants had to provide a location, the name of the local or regional artist and estimated project costs.
The IDDC will release the concept that artists will be working from this month on June 9. One month later, on July 9, the organization and artist will communicate their plans to the IDDC for approval.
The Brown County Visitors Center selected artist Mark Schmidt to paint a mural on the northeast corner of the Visitors Center on Van Buren Street.
Schmidt is the co-owner of Nashville Spice Company. He paints full time and has showcased his work in New York City, London, Atlanta, Italy and many other locations, said Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Jane Ellis.
The CVB operates the Visitors Center.
Mulberry Cottage will work with local artist Kurt Eagleman for their public art project. He will also paint a mural on the side of Mulberry Cottage, Eagleman said.
Eagleman studied at the Herron School of Art and Design at Indiana University Bloomington and at Venice’s Scoula International Di Grafacia where he focused on figure drawing, color theory and printmaking.
“I want the mural to honor the rich art history, which put Brown County on the map as an Artist Colony and showcase the beautiful nature that surrounds our town,” Eagleman explained.
Artist projects should be completed by Oct. 31.
Hard Truth Distillery and Quaff ON! Brewery could not be reached for comment on their projects.