If you are a fan of art, history, local culture, or just fun things to do, make a point of stopping by the Fountain County Courthouse Mural exhibit in downtown Covington. This free exhibit (donations are accepted) can be self-guided by picking up a brochure in the main lobby of the first floor. If you would like a more group oriented tour, a docent from the Fountain County Art Council, Inc can be scheduled through the Auditor's Office (765-793-6243).
In a time right at the end of the Great Depression, many artists were provided opportunities to paint murals inside the post offices of the state. Though the Covington PO did not receive a mural, the local leaders of the town decided to have muralist Eugene Savage organize an enormous mural covering 2500 square feet, which includes the entryway, and the interior walls of the courtyard on the first and second floors.
The majority of the artists who assisted Savage were women (including two of Savage's nieces. Though Savage is given credit for both sides of the entryway, the rest of the murals were done by the ladies.
Beginning in 1937, there was a 2-year process of planning and organizing the works which began in 1939. By the time the works were finished in June 1940, the cost had reached $90,000. As time passed, the murals needed attention to preserve them so in 1983, with a cost of nearly three times the original price, the local groups raised money to preserve the murals into their excellent state that can be seen today.
The style of the work is very fitting for the times. Depicting time periods of the history of the area, the artists mix images of different aspects of life for the period juxtaposed with same era, but not necessarily images you would see together in a more realistic setting. The images have a softened look, looking more like caricatures in a flat 2 dimensional style than trying to look lifelike. Very similar in style to period artists like Thomas Hart Benton and Grant Christian.
I like that each section of mural identifies the period and the artists associated with the paintings.
I also like that the folks of Fountain County realize that they have a piece of history quite unique in its scope and preservation efforts. It is truly worth stopping by if you are in the area to view this massive art installation in person.
Review #949 read more