Read more about local beautification efforts in the June/July 2025 feature story.
One of the more subtle yet impactful means of heightening a city’s image is through public artwork, and Evansville is ramping up its attention to the concept.
This increased focus on public art is part of Mayor Stephanie Terry’s core initiative of neighborhood revitalization. Created in 2005, the Evansville Public Art Commission has been idle for several years and was relaunched by Terry this spring. Officials hope a greater emphasis leads to more donations for public art displays, as EPAC is a nonprofit and currently is not funded.
The mayor has said that EPAC provides oversight of the city’s public art collection. It offers guidance on policies related to acquiring, displaying, and maintaining works of art on public property, like Downtown statues honoring fallen soldiers from overseas wars. Many others reflect our natural surroundings and are placed along the Ohio Riverfront and the Pigeon Creek Greenway Passage.
EPAC Chairperson Sarah Schuler says murals in public areas such as Self.e Alley in the 300 block of Main Street and sculptures like “Vibrant River,” which hangs on an exterior wall of Ford Center, improve the aesthetics of an ordinary area.
“Public art really expresses a lot about our community,” Schuler says. “It shows our values and who we are to those who come to visit Evansville.”
When EPAC curates a piece of art, the commission agrees to protect it and maintain its upkeep while ensuring the safety of the public, Schuler says. If funds become available from an outside source, EPAC can commission or request art submissions for a designated public space.
Anne McKim, executive director of the Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana and a member of EPAC, says visible art is an important aspect of increasing not only the beauty of a community to its own residents, but in instilling satisfaction and self-worth.
“There is a shared sense of place, a shared public pride in your neighbor- hood,” McKim says. “We love that public art can reflect the characteristics and nature of a specific neighborhood.”
