Batesville student's artwork inspired by personal experiences

(BATESVILLE, Ind.) -- A Batesville Intermediate student now has her artwork on display in downtown Batesville. 

Fifth grader Nicole Garza was selected for the Batesville Community Education Foundation’s (BCEF) Art on Main rotating mural display.

The theme for this student art project was ‘Weathering Emotions’ which inspired Garza to draw from her personal experiences.

Her mural shows two girls fending off a thunderstorm under an umbrella that is labeled as Happiness.  

She was inspired to create the artwork because she remembers what it was like to feel unseen and unheard.

“I had this feeling when I was in second grade; I still remember how it happened. I had no friends. I felt like I was in a thunderstorm. I spoke Spanish, and although the other kids didn’t make fun of me, I felt different,” Garza shared. 

She added, “Then this girl came up to me and said, ‘Hi! Want to be friends with me?’ I didn’t know what to say but ‘Yes!’” 

The mural is displayed on a building owned by Nick Maple at the corner of George and Main Streets. It was installed by Rowland Graphics who donated their time. 

BCEF's Art on Main highlights student artwork from each Batesville school and Garza’s will be on display until early 2026 prior to a middle school student who will have their work showcased.

Here is Garza's mural: