board member Jimmy Rowland, and Batesville Intermediate School art teacher Olivia Branch. (Provided Photo)
(Batesville, IN) – The second mural in the Batesville Community Education Foundation’s (BCEF) 2025-26 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.
The mural, created by Batesville Intermediate School (BIS) fifth grader Nicole Garza, depicts two girls fending off a thunderstorm under an umbrella named Happiness.
BCEF’s art theme this year is “Weathering Emotions.”
“I drew this picture because not everyone is popular and shines bright,” Garza explained. “I had this feeling when I was in second grade; I still remember how it happened. I had no friends. I felt like I was in a thunderstorm. I spoke Spanish, and although the other kids didn’t make fun of me, I felt different. Then this girl came up to me and said, ‘Hi! Want to be friends with me?’ I didn’t know what to say but ‘Yes!’ This painting shows that everyone needs someone.”
BCEF’s Art on Main program highlights artwork from students from the four Batesville Community School Corporation school buildings on a rotating basis.
A special thank you from BCEF is extended to Jimmy Rowland of 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 BIS Principal Dana Cassidy and art teacher Olivia Branch for their ongoing support.
BCEF board members Jama Linkel-Cleghorn and Ryan Holcomb are volunteer program coordinators.
The BIS mural will be on display until early 2026, when Batesville Middle School artwork will take its place.
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.
(Batesville Community Education Foundation press release)
