Water Street Studios Batavia Public Art Initiative
Public art plays a vital role in shaping the cultural landscape, fostering social connections, and enriching the human experience in public spaces.
About The Batavia Public Art Initiative
The BPAI is a volunteer-run sub-committee of Water Street Studios comprised of professional artists, sculptors, and creatives. Our goals are to:
Increase public awareness, appreciation, and contribution of public art;
Increase public awareness of Water Street Studios as a community art hub in the Fox Valley;
Establish a sense of community in Batavia & the greater Fox Valley through outdoor art installations;
Propose and support activities, initiatives, and events that benefit and advance art in Batavia and the greater Fox Valley.
Want to learn more? Send us a email.
“Public art humanizes the built domain and invigorates public spaces. It provides an intersection between past, present, and future, between disciplines, and between ideas. Public art is freely accessible.”
Public Art Network Council - americansforthearts.org
H.C. Storm Elementary School mosaic mural made by parents, students, staff, residents, and Water Street Studios Art Flow program participants.
Why Support Public Art?
Water Street Studios needs your help investing in the vitality and enrichment of our community. With your support, Water Street Studios and The Batavia Public Art Initiative will work to create a vibrant, inclusive, and culturally rich environment that fosters creativity, connection, and civic pride.
Public art enhances spaces, transforming buildings, streets, and parks into dynamic hubs of artistic expression and community engagement. Through exhibitions, installations, and events, the Batavia Public Art Initiative hopes to provide opportunities for education, dialogue, and social interaction, enriching the lives of residents and visitors alike.
Research suggests public art stimulates economic growth, attracts tourism, and creates job opportunities. Your contribution will leave a lasting legacy of beauty, inspiration, and heritage for future generations to enjoy and appreciate!
Interested in Sponsoring an Installation?
Send us an email to learn about upcoming projects, sponsorship opportunities, and support tiers.
Upcoming Installations
Art of the Fox
Batavia Public Art Initiative is excited to partner with The Conservation Foundation to bring a series of nature-inspired murals to the Jeffery D. Scheilke Government Center. This historic windmill factory stretches along the Fox River and harkens back to a time when the Fox was a working river, generating power for the factories that called its banks home. Now, as a government building, the grounds are a community gathering space, a public river walk, and a wildflower sanctuary.
Each mural should connect viewers to the beauty, importance, and diversity of the Fox River and the communities the river runs through. Artwork is intended to highlight the value and uniqueness of the Fox River while celebrating diverse local voices and connecting people to place and nature. Vibrant, and modern interpretations of nature; as well as people and conservation are welcome!
BPAI and TCF are seeking artists represented by all walks of life, experience, skill, style, and interpretation of theme to apply. Artists selected will be awarded $600/space for their unique design and work.
