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A mockup of the mural. 📸 Credit: Water Street Studios
Another mural in downtown Batavia? You betcha.
“Batavia’s Industrial Contributions to America” — a new mural celebrating the Windmill City’s role in American history — will be unveiled on Saturday, Sept. 12, at Batavia City Hall downtown.
Created by artist Marty Gniech to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary, the mural aims to illustrate how Batavia’s industry, craftsmanship, innovation, and scientific discovery connected the community to defining moments in the nation’s history, according to a news release.
The mural explores six themes:
The Newton Wagon Company’s role in America’s westward expansion
Batavia limestone used to build and rebuild the Midwest, including Chicago after the Great Fire of 1871
The Campana Company’s contributions to modern advertising
Batavia’s history as the “Windmill Capital of the World”
Local aerospace manufacturing and its connection to America’s journey to the moon
The curiosity, creativity and discoveries of future generations
An Illinois America 250 Public Art Grant awarded to the Water Street Studios Public Art Initiative supported the project, which is part of a wider state effort to fund public art projects across Illinois. The Batavia Depot Museum provided historical expertise and guidance for the mural.
Unveiling event details
The free public unveiling celebration will include live music by A Brass Act, featuring members of the Batavia Community Band, and a children’s craft activity.
The event takes place from 10AM-12PM on Saturday, Sept. 12, at Batavia City Hall (100 N. Island Ave.).
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