09/12/2026
🎉 New mural! Water Street Studios unveiled another series of murals at the Government Center in downtown Batavia.
➡️ Created by artist Marty Gniech, “Batavia’s Industrial Contributions to America” commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The mural illustrates how Batavia’s industry, craftsmanship, innovation, and scientific discovery connected the community to defining moments in the nation’s history.
The murals explore six themes:
The Newton Wagon Company’s role in America’s westward expansion
Batavia limestone used to build and rebuild the Midwest, including Chicago after the Great Fire of 1871
The Campana Company’s contributions to modern advertising
Batavia’s history as the “Windmill Capital of the World”
Local aerospace manufacturing and its connection to America’s journey to the moon
The curiosity, creativity, and discoveries of future generations
The project was supported by an Illinois America 250 Public Art Grant awarded to the Water Street Studios Public Art Initiative. The Illinois Arts Council, in partnership with the Office of Gov. JB Pritzker and Illinois Humanities, awarded more than $325,000 for 22 public art projects across Illinois. The projects commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary and highlight the state’s diverse communities, histories, and cultural heritage.
The Batavia Depot Museum helped with historical expertise and guidance for the mural.
