COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – If everything goes according to plan, art will be busting out throughout downtown Coldwater in the near future.
The Downtown Development Authority Board gave their approval on Wednesday morning to the application of a mural to their building at 58 West Chicago where the Branch County Children’s Museum is located.
Branch County Economic Growth Alliance Director Audrey Tappenden said in her letter to the board that the museum has sourced an artist and conceptual designs for the mural.
In addition to the mural at the museum, Tappenden said the Coldwater Main Street Design Committee will seek a muralist for a small work to be applied to the bricked-in window area at 25 West Chicago which is owned by Dave Semmelroth.
Courtesy Coldwater Main Street
As part of the 2025 Main Street Art Program, the D.D.A. Board approved the selection criteria that will be used when reviewing and choosing this year’s professional art works.
Tappenden said in her letter to the board that the criteria will help guide decision-making on two sculptures that will placed either in Tibbits Plaza or at 4 Corners Park and for choosing the mural that will be painted at 25 West Chicago.
She said the Art Program subcommittee felt the criteria should include the quality of past work, family-friendly themes, original artwork and overall visual impact. The criteria for sculptures would include size and appropriateness of scale.
Tappenden said in her Director’s report that a Vibrancy Grant application will be submitted to Michigan Main Street next month which will seek $15,000 towards this year’s Art Program. She stated the funding will help offset costs of the mural at the Children’s Museum. If the grant is awarded, the Board will retain some program funding for 2026.
Too many murals will look gaudy.