(Batesville, IN) – The first mural in the Batesville Community Education Foundation’s (BCEF) 2026-27 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, drawn by Batesville Primary School (BPS) first grader Kyra Hernandez, depicts a student considering a variety of career choices, reflecting this year’s theme of “Bulldog Futures Start Here.”
Hernandez says her artwork was drawn with crayon and has a ballerina’s tutu featured at the top since that is what she would like to be when she grows up.
All BPS students received an artwork submission form from the foundation inviting them to participate, and the winning piece was chosen from all entries by members of a BCEF committee through a blind selection process.
New this year, each featured artist will receive a framed print of their artwork from BCEF, thanks to a donation from Rowland Graphics.
“As a Bulldog Ready community-connected learning sponsor, BCEF recognizes that our school corporation is working hard to show students how what they learn in the classroom applies to their
future careers,” said BCEF board member Ryan Holcomb, who also serves as one of the Art on Main program coordinators. “Since every grade level will have an in-depth guaranteed experience
this year surrounding career connections, we thought this year’s theme was appropriate.”
BCEF’s Art on Main program highlights artwork from students from the four Batesville Community School Corporation buildings on a rotating basis.
The organization extended a special thank you to Jimmy Rowland of Rowland Graphics, who donates his company’s time to install every mural, and building owner Nick Maple, who provides the use of his location for the display.
In addition, the foundation appreciates the BPS administration and staff, including principal Kindra Moore and assistant principal Patrick Maschino, for their ongoing support.
BCEF board members Jama Linkel-Cleghorn and Ryan Holcomb are the program’s volunteer coordinators.
The BPS mural will be on display until later this year, when Batesville Intermediate 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.
