Water Street Studios
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.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
America at 250: A Living Community Story invites artists to help bring Batavia’s story to life through a dynamic public mural at City Hall. This project will explore how the ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are reflected in the everyday experiences of Batavia residents — past, present, and future. From local history and Flag Day connections to community life, environmental stewardship, and diverse perspectives, artists are encouraged to create a meaningful visual narrative that resonates across generations.
The mural will span six arched limestone bays along the west-facing façade of City Hall, a highly visible site near the Riverwalk and Flag Day Monument, offering a unique opportunity to engage the public in a shared civic space.
Interested artists are encouraged to click the button to view the full RFP and learn how to apply.
unWIND North River Street Plaza Benches invites artists to transform innovative, sustainable design into vibrant public art. Three sculptural Noblewins benches — crafted from retired wind turbine blades — will become striking, functional landmarks in Batavia’s new North River Street Plaza. Selected artists will paint these primed benches on-site, creating welcoming works that celebrate the beauty, diversity, and energy of downtown Batavia.
Artists are encouraged to develop designs that feel both bold and inviting, incorporating flowing, organic elements and graphic backgrounds that complement the plaza’s existing features, including metal tree ironworks and copper-toned leaf-patterned fencing. Each piece should inspire visitors to pause, gather, and connect in this dynamic public space.
Interested artists are encouraged to click the button to view the full RFP and learn how to apply.
Volunteers lead a free craft using jelli plates, paint, dried flowers, and leaves during the Art of the Fox mural series reveal party.
About the WSS Public Art Initiative
The WSSPAI 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.
2025 WSSPAI Committee Members
Co-Chairs: Bonnie Baumgartner & Sabrina Martin
Members: Rebecca Allen, Abby Beck, Lori Botterman, Bill McGrath, Gary Ricke, Josh Schultz, Ellyn Theis, and Anita Wolff.
“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. Artist: Danielle Casali
Why Support Public Art?
Water Street Studios needs your help investing in the vitality and enrichment of our community. With your support, the WSS 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, and transforms buildings, streets, and parks into dynamic hubs of artistic expression and community engagement. Through exhibitions, installations, and events, the WSS 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.
Previous Installations
The City of Good Energy Mural
2025
One word has brought new meaning to the City of Batavia's historic slogan. Once a bustling industrial town of energy, Batavia is now artistically honored as a welcoming community full of good vibes and a value for nature, qualities that make many Batavians proud to call it home.
Water Street Studios would like to thank the many volunteers, donors, and community members who made The City of Good Energy mural come to life! This mural would not have been possible without the hard work and commitment of our Public Art Initiative committee, the Marconi Family, Byus Steel Inc., Dave Morris for capturing the whole process, the 48 individuals who donated towards the campaign, and the 75+ volunteers who helped us paint! THANK YOU!
Photos and video courtesy of Dave Morris.
Thank You To Our Donors
The Marconi Family
The Baumgartner Family
Dave Morris & Jessica Jecmen
Rebecca Allen, Marissa Amoni, Bulldog Plumbing, John Cahill, Holly Deitchman, Sara Dreiser, The Girmscheids,
Missy Hem, Bill McGrath, Dustin Pieper, Beth & Steve Walker, and Rosalie White.
Photos courtesy of April Duda Photography
Photos courtesy of April Duda Photography
Photos courtesy of April Duda Photography
Photos courtesy of April Duda Photography
Art of the Fox Mural Series
2024
The Art of the Fox mural series is a collection of 10 murals located on the east side of the Jeffery D. Scheilke Government Center (100 N Island Ave, Batavia). Each work of art was designed and painted by a local artist with a goal to connect viewers to the beauty, importance, and diversity of the Fox River and the communities it runs through. Water Street Studios committee volunteers organized and executed logistics for the project. Fundraising efforts were made possible via a partnership with The Conservation Foundation. Special thanks to the City of Batavia and these donors for their support of the arts:
Hamill Family Foundation
W.C. 'Buzz' Miller
Nadler Golf
Linda Gray Sonner
Artists and titles of work (left to right):
Cherylyn Gnadt, “Chasing Fireflies”
Marty Gniech, “Great Blue Heron”
Lisa Holzl, “Monarch of Diversity”
Catherine Tilly, “Blue Sky Purple Bison”
Clara Brubaker, “Shallow Waters”
Kailey Rorer, “You Are Nature”
Sarah Engel, “A Matter of Flying”
CJ Hungermann, “WE RISE”
Jonathan Belair, “Portrait of a Fox”
Myra Miller, “The Great Flight”
Click the button below to hear artists discuss their work and what the project meant to them thanks to Areacode Audio.
Wave Petunia Mural
2023
A unique collaboration between a corporation and a community art center. Sponsored by Wave Gardening. Learn more here.