Downtown Indiana Mural Tour
Enjoy walking tours in downtown Indiana and Blairsville, PA! And, See a solo mural in Smicksburg during your drive through northern Indiana County.
Spanning multiple decades, organizations, and artists, downtown Indiana’s public art projects have involved and evolved thanks to the dedication of hundreds of individuals who have added color and beauty to our historic downtown. These projects, from 2006 to 2023, were funded in part thanks to the efforts of businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, and individuals. These artworks are gifts for the community, and we are endlessly grateful for the efforts of everyone involved in the continued beauty of Indiana, PA.
1. Christmas Tree Capital
550 Philadelphia Street + S Taylor Ave
This mural by Ramiro Davaro-Comas pays homage to Indiana County’s legacy as the Christmas Tree Capitol of the World through playful characters as the evergreen trees.
2. A Vision for Downtown: Building on the Past
501 Philadelphia Street
The design represents a flow of history around a central image of two children building with blocks - a symbol of growth and construction. The blocks connect the past with the present/future vertically from bottom to the top representing various aspects of Indiana County building improvements throughout history. This mural depiction of the freeing of Anthony Hollingsworth, according to Chris Catalfamo, is the first time this event was shown visually. Mural Artist: Bernie Wilke with themes assisted by Chris Catalfamo, local historian and Larry Stadtmiller, project visionary. This project was funded by a PA Rural Arts Alliance grant and from the generosity of Red Oak advertising, Larry Stadtmiller, Tom Harley, and other local businesses listed on the mural.
3. Bicycle Pups
36 S 5th St + Gompers Ave
Commissioned by Indiana Cycling Center, this mural showcases the business’ pups riding a bicycle and holding a Christmas tree. Mural by Ramiro Davaro-Comas and Damien Mitchell.
4. Plant More Trees
515 Gompers Ave
Celebrating Indiana County’s legacy of Christmas trees production and the benefit of trees on the environment, by Ramiro Davaro-Comas.
5. Sunset and Flower Murals
Alleyway between 511 + 517 Gompers Ave
Two murals celebrating nature’s beauty are situated off of Gomper’s Avenue, by Michael Walkovich.
6. Colorful Flora and Fauna
520 Philadelphia Street
Done in spring 2023 by Ramiro Davaro-Comas with local artists trained in a variety of techniques of mural creations.
7. Creative Sustainability
Near 6th + Gompers Ave
A mural by Denton Burrows, showing industry and nature.
8. Ratchi with a Wave
Near 6th + Gompers Ave
Pedestrians can see a colorful mural of a Ratchi riding a wave produced by the water from a fire hose. Mural by Jonathan Neville.
9. Edward Abbey
Near 6th + Gompers Ave
A mural by Damien Mitchell of author and environmentalist Edward Abbey, who was born and raised in Indiana County.
10. It’s a Wonderful Life Wall
580 Philadelphia St + Gompers Ave
Risa Boogie’s mural along Gompers Avenure shares “It’s a Wonderful Life” along with messages of love and unity.
11. American Kestrel
580 Philadelphia St + Gompers Ave
The bird oversees the entire area with two small field mice, who are situated on the brick wall. Painted by Evan Lovett.
12. Bear
580 Philadelphia Street + 6th Street
Damien Mitchell’s mural of a bear on fire references the fires occurring in California and his home country of Australia.
13. Her Voice Carries
580 Philadelphia St + Gompers Ave
Sarach Ruthford’s mural of a yoga instructor from Rochester, NY is a continuation of her project, Her Voice Carries. Rutherford brings portraits of inspiring women to other communities and creates sister communities between cities, towns, and neighborhoods.
14. Sunflower
580 Philadelphia St + Gompers Ave
Evan Lovett’s mural of sunflowers decorates the staired entrance to Sunflower Yoga Studio.
15. Community Perspective
6th Street (Inside Fox’s Pizza)
Installed in 2006, this mural depicts a diverse group of Indiana residents looking at their hometown with new eyes with new perspectives. The girl is blowing a wish for Indiana, in a sense. The balloon release signifies a connection with the broader world outside Indiana. The underground railroad is highlighted too. Mural Artist: Bernie Wilke with themes assisted by Chris Catalfamo, local historian. The project was funded by a grant from PA Rural Arts Alliance with additional funds from Tom Harley.
16. Metamorphosis Portrait
637 Philadelphia Street and Nixon Avenue
A collaboration between Damien Mitchell and Denton Burrows, blended portrait of fellow artist Johnathan Neville.
17. Coal Miner
637 Philadelphia Street + Nixon Ave
Evan Lovett painted this portrait of a coal miner on the back of the Indiana Theater building. He included a bright yellow canary, tools, and shiny pieces of coal along the bottom of the frame, paying respect to the region’s history and its legacy.
18. Creative Spirit
Carpenter Ave, Side of Indiana Theater Building
Thematically, the Creative Spirit originates from the vortex on the left side and follows the red/orange/yellow path that unifies all the diverse aspects of Indiana County both past and present. Most of the paintings were completed at the Artists Hand on polytab cloth, then installed onto the wall. This mural was originally conceived as a way to make the alley more friendly and inviting to people to use the garage. The lights that criss-cross the alley were added later. This mural was a collaboration of a group of about 20 local artists lead by Bernie Wilke with Brian Jones as the project coordinator and the visionary. This was funded through grant funding (obtained by Brian Jones) and through ArtsPath and Jeff Wacker.
19. Stairwell Murals
637 Philadelphia Street
Several murals can be found in the stairwell of the Indiana Theatre Building: Barns Scenes with Raccoon by Evan Lovett, Geometric Columns by Jess Green, Cardinal by Tim Toy, Mother Nature by Amara Moore, Skeleton Camera by Marissa Bowers, Trout by Tim Toy, and Letters by SOULS.
20. Jimmy Stewart Portrait
845 Philadelphia Street
Damien Mitchell’s portrait of Jimmy Stewart is in the third-floor lobby of the Jimmy Stewart Museum. This mural greets guests as they step out of the elevator to visit the museum.
For more information about recent murals, go to drippedontheroad.com and sprucearts.com. For more information on Indiana County tourism, visit visitindianacountypa.org
Four murals are in Homer City - located on the side of the Disobedient Spirits, the side and back of Trendy Trades, and the Homer City Borough Garage, beside Fox’s Pizza
