Color the County
Our Color the County is an artful collaboration that connects people who care with causes that matter. And in this case, what matters is improving the cultural fabric of our community through public art.
The Johnson County Community Foundation (JCCF) launched the countywide mural program in 2016 to celebrate our Foundation’s 25th Anniversary. Coloring the county was the perfect way to party and the mural program was our gift to the community.
We developed the initiative to live on through future artistic efforts, and our goal is now a reality. Each year we invite local artists to participate in a design competition and the designs are brought to life through Community Painting Days.
Want to visit all our Color the County murals? Check out their locations on the map below:
Learn more about THE ARTISTS
Mural support provided by
- Elba L. and Gene Portteus Branigin Foundation
Questions? Contact:
Kim Kasting at kimm@jccf.org or 317.738.2213
2023 Mural Program
JCCF's Color the County Mural Program added murals at the Book Barn (JCPL Franklin Branch) 401 State St., Franklin, Indiana. The murals have touching beginnings that were brought to life by two artists and the community.
See photos from our community painting day here.
The Artists:
Chrissy Robertson is a graduate of Herron School of Art and Design and is a creative professional with a passion for the arts and design. Chrissy's love for the arts extends to her active involvement in the local community. In 2018 she co-founded Creative Council of Franklin, a non-profit organization focused on promoting the arts and engaging the community through various art events. Recognizing her contributions to the arts, Chrissy was appointed by the Mayor of Franklin, Steve Barnett, to serve on the Franklin Public Art Advisory Commission, where she continues to champion the growth and accessibility of art in the community. In addition to her artistic endeavors, Chrissy has also served on the board of the Friends of the Johnson County Library for the last six years, four of which she acted as president.
Gabriel Yaden is an international award-winning figurative painter from downtown Franklin, Indiana. From still-life paintings infused with energetic pastels, to slick inky sketches, to grandiose figurative oil paintings Gabriel works across a multitude of styles and media. Gabriel; or Demo Yaden, attended Herron School of Art and Design, Franklin College and The Art Department where he studied studio art and illustration. When not in his Franklin studio working with oils, he is out working in design and illustration for everything from murals to concept art for games. Much of his work can be seen throughout downtown Franklin.
The Story Behind the Art:
In fall 2021 Amy Kitchen asked the JCPL administration if they would consider putting a mural on the "Book Barn" at the Franklin Branch Library property. She and her friend, Merilee Allen, the Friends of JCPL book sale coordinator, asked for the mural together. JCPL reached out to JCCF to learn more about the Color the County Mural Program. Amy was passionate about design and art, and as JCPL's graphic designer for 33 years, JCPL was heartbroken when she died in October 2022. At that time, the JCPL Book Barn mural was already in the works with JCCF.
Amy’s vision for the Book Barn was that it would become the destination photo spot. Amy wanted the mural to appeal to a wide variety of people of all ages and encourage the enjoyment of different types of art. She wanted the art to draw in locals and tourists; to welcome people and encourage exploration of the area. The designs selected should certainly deliver on Amy’s dream!
“We are so grateful for the opportunity to make Amy's dream come true. We think she would have been over the moon with delight at the designs selected,” said Lisa Lintner, JCPL.
2022 Mural
Our 2022 mural, located in Edinburgh, Indiana, helped commemorate Edinburgh's 200th Anniversary! See photos from the Community Painting Day here.
Edinburgh
592 W Center Cross St., Edinburgh, Indiana • Artist Chelsie Liberati
"The artist's ability to combine the location of the river and dam with the fish and a secondary, almost subliminal, attachment to Camp Atterbury with the topographical lines mimicking a camouflage pattern is outstanding. This piece will become a landmark for many Edinburgh visitors and locals,” said Dave Windisch, JCCF’s mural design artistic lead and Color the County Mural Program committee member.
Artist Chelsie Liberati is a muralist, author and children’s book illustrator with a passion for sharing art with the community.
2021 Mural
Our 2021 Color the County Mural Program added a mural in Greenwood, along the new I-69 route. See photos from the Community Painting Day here.
Greenwood
100 Bluffdale Rd., McCarty Mulch • Artist Leah Pinney
2020 Mural
Bargersville was the location of our 2020 Color the County Mural Program. See photos from the Community Painting Day here.
BARGERSVILLE
89 S. Baldwin Street, Taxman Brewing Co., • Artist Stacie Drane
FRANKLIN
249 S. Main Street, Richards Brick Oven Pizza • Artist Shannon McKeon
TRAFALGAR
800 S. Indian Creek Drive • Artists: Creative Council of Franklin Artists including Chrissy Robertson, Meredith Pierson, Patrick Tisdale, and Elissa McKee
FRANKLIN
South Main Street Bridge Underpass • Artist Erin Davis
EDINBURGH
100/102 East Main Cross Street • Artist Andrea Light
FRANKLIN
315 E. Jefferson Street • Artist Danny Causey
WHITELAND
530 Main Street • Artist Dave Windisch
2016 Color the County Launch
JCCF identified three mural-worthy locations in Bargersville, Franklin and Greenwood, invited local artists to participate in a design competition and brought the designs to life through Community Painting Days. Color the County engaged the community in a beautification event for all ages, decorated our communities and set the stage for future mural-making efforts. If you want to see how much fun you can have, view the 2016 Color the County slide show.
BARGERSVILLE
10 S. Baldwin Street • Artist Amber Berninger
FRANKLIN
86 W. Court Street • Artist Gordon Strain
GREENWOOD
189 W. Main Street • Artist Amy Hommel
Support for the 2017-2020 murals provided by Indiana Arts Commission.
QUESTIONS?
Contact JCCF today.
Email: Kim Minton, President & CEO | Call: 317-738-2213