Vibrant ‘City of Good Energy’ Mural Coming to Downtown Batavia

Batavia, IL — The Batavia Public Art Initiative (BPAI), a subcommittee of Water Street Studios, has announced an exciting new public art installation: The City of Good Energy mural, soon to be painted on the south wall of The Comedy Vault, 18 E. Wilson St., Batavia.

Designed by muralist and art educator Amy Decker of Hinkley-Big Rock High School, the mural was selected from more than 30 artist submissions in a highly competitive process. The installation will take place in September 2025 through a paint-by-number volunteer effort, followed by a community reveal celebration from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 4.

“This mural represents everything we love about Batavia — its energy, its creativity, and its strong sense of community,” said Bonnie Baumgartner, Water Street Studios board member and co-chair of the BPAI. “Public art has the power to bring people together, and we’re thrilled to see this vision come to life with the help of our volunteers.”

“This wall has been part of my family’s story for decades, and I can’t think of a better way to honor my father and our community than by turning it into a symbol of Batavia’s spirit,” said Michael Marconi, owners' representative of the building where the mural will be painted. “We are proud to host this landmark artwork.”

A Gateway to the “City of Good Energy”

The mural will span approximately 24 feet by 20 feet, serving as a colorful welcome to residents and visitors arriving in downtown Batavia. The artwork will celebrate Batavia’s identity as a friendly, active, and creative community — home to multigenerational families, vibrant nature, and a thriving culture of artists and makers.

Through vivid scenes of people enjoying the Fox River path, playful dogs, lush greenery, and a radiant sunburst, the mural will reflect the essence of Batavia: progressive, family-friendly, and full of neighbors who share their “good energy.”

The community is invited to help paint the mural in a supervised, paint-by-number format. Details and volunteer sign-up are available at SignUpGenius link.

About the Artist

Amy Decker is an art educator with expertise across multiple mediums — drawing, painting, photography, ceramics, and sculpture. Her work often combines natural elements, bold color, and symbolic imagery to explore identity, perception, and interconnectedness.

“This mural project represents my step into the broader professional art world and expanding my practice beyond the classroom,” Decker said. “Working with my students has grounded my work in connection, accessibility, and the power of art to bring people together.”

How to Support the Project

The Batavia Public Art Initiative is seeking community support to fund materials and installation. Donations of any size will help transform this high-visibility location into a landmark of civic pride.

“Help us bring Batavia’s spirit to life through art,” said Baumgartner. “By supporting this mural, you’re helping create a vibrant gateway that reflects who we are — a city filled with creativity, generosity, and good energy.” To donate or learn more about the Batavia Public Art Initiative, visit givebutter.com/wssgatewaymural.

Batavia Public Art Initiative is a subcommittee of Water Street Studios that promotes public art to enhance spaces and engage the community, as well as provide opportunities to advance local artists. Learn more at waterstreetstudios.org/public-art.