Mural support provided by

• Elba L. and Gene Portteus Branigin Foundation

Community Painting Day:

JCCF hosted a community painting day on Saturday, August 5, 2023 to paint the murals at the Book Barn (JCPL Franklin Branch) 401 State St., Franklin, Indiana. Finishing touches will be added to the murals in the coming weeks.

Questions? Contact:

Kim Kasting at kimm@jccf.org or 317.738.2213

2023 Mural Program

JCCF's Color the County Mural Program is adding a mural this year in Franklin, Indiana. This year’s mural has touching beginnings that will be brought to life in the community by two artists. 

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.

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.

Greenwood

100 Bluffdale Rd., McCarty Mulch • Artist Leah Pinney

BARGERSVILLE

89 S. Baldwin Street, Taxman Brewing Co., • Artist Stacie Drane

FRANKLIN

South Main Street Bridge Underpass • Artist Erin Davis

EDINBURGH

100/102 East Main Cross Street • Artist Andrea Light

BARGERSVILLE

10 S. Baldwin Street • Artist Amber Berninger

FRANKLIN

86 W. Court Street • Artist Gordon Strain

GREENWOOD

189 W. Main Street • Artist Amy Hommel