Late watercolorist Jerry Baum’s 20th-century depiction of the city’s skyline is back on display at Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library after renovations were completed at Central Branch. “Evansville – On The River” shows a moonlit look at the River City that includes former landmarks such as the Executive Inn and 18-story Old National Bank tower.
Baum, an Evansville native, was a professional artist for decades, who held shows nationwide and abroad and often donated proceeds to charitable causes. He created an estimated 14,000 works before he passed away in October 2022 at age 88.
EVPL obtained Baum’s painting that June from Evansville Regional Airport. Now, those filing into the library’s Browning Rooms can stop at it and reflect.
“I think it would bring back good memories for people who have grown up here, about how far we’ve come and all the great changes that have happened,” says Jennifer Gieselman, one of Baum’s three daughters. “I’ve always loved that mural.”
