Discover Nashville, Indiana’s Murals, Sculptures & Public Art

ByKara Updated on

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Nashville, Indiana, is a town where creativity spills into the streets—literally. As you wander through town, you’ll find murals bursting with color, sculptures with deep meaning, and interactive art that invites you to be part of the scene. Whether you’re a longtime local or a first-time visitor, exploring Nashville’s public art is one of the best ways to experience all the hidden corners of town, discover great photo spots, and even learn a bit of local history along the way.

A collage of different murals in Nashville, Indiana with a text overlay that reads "Murals, Sculptures & Public Art in Nashville, IN."

One of my favorite ways to take it all in is on a self-guided walking tour. You can start anywhere, meandering through alleyways and side streets to uncover each unique piece. If you’re with kids—or just love a good challenge—download my Nashville Indiana Scavenger Hunt before you go. You just might spot some familiar details as you explore!

While public art is a joy to see year-round, I especially love doing this in the late fall through early spring. When the trees are bare and nature’s colors are taking a break, these murals and sculptures bring a much-needed burst of brightness to the day. If you’re looking for a reason to get outside and explore, Nashville’s public art scene is the perfect fix.

Click any of the images below to jump straight to more information on that art, or keep scrolling for a list of all the murals, sculptures, and public art in Nashville, Indiana:

A bright pink mural featuring large red poppies and the words "Happiness in Color, IN Indiana."
A close-up of the vivid monarch butterfly mural, featuring swirling blue skies and bright orange wings.
A textured mural of bright sunflowers and wildflowers covering an exterior wall of a rustic stone building.
A vibrant section of the "A Century of Art" mural featuring Grandma Barnes, an elderly woman in a blue shawl surrounded by colorful flowers, representing Brown County’s artistic heritage.
A two-panel abstract landscape mural featuring stylized rolling hills in soft shades of green and blue
A scenic mural depicting a red barn, rolling hills, and trees, painted on the side of a building.
A colorful mural under a bridge, called "Nature Inspires," depicting an owl, trees, and a glowing night scene.
A vibrant mural with two stylized Indiana maps decorated with colorful patterns and text reading "Adventure Soars in Indiana."
A long wall displaying multiple murals representing different aspects of Brown County's history and culture.
A 7-foot-tall wooden sculpture of Abe Martin, a bearded cartoon character wearing a bow tie and hat, located in Nashville, Indiana.
A striking metal sculpture of autumn leaves in vibrant red, yellow, and orange, set against a historic stone building in Nashville, Indiana.
A life-sized painted bison statue adorned with autumn leaves, created to celebrate Indiana’s bicentennial.
A large gnome statue with a red hat, green outfit, and a small frog by its foot, standing outside a shop with rustic decor.
A collaborative sculpture made of metal gears and rings, featuring abstract faces, located at Brown County Middle School.
A wooden sculpture of oversized musical instruments placed in front of the Artist Colony Inn, honoring bluegrass music.
A tall limestone sculpture of an abstract human figure reaching upward, holding a circular glass element.
A metal fence featuring whimsical gear faces and red flower-like designs in a courtyard with brick buildings.
A large metal sculpture spelling "LOVE" in an artistic, industrial style, surrounded by a garden.
A metal art installation featuring empty picture frames on stands, encouraging visitors to frame the scenery.
A storefront featuring detailed wooden carvings, including a bear, a hand-shaped chair, and other sculptures, at Wooden Wonders.

Murals in Nashville, Indiana

Murals are a huge part of Nashville, Indiana’s charm, adding bursts of color and storytelling to the town’s already artsy atmosphere. Whether they’re tucked away in an alley or stretched across a massive wall, each one has a unique connection to the community—honoring history, celebrating nature, or just creating a fun spot for photos. If you love discovering art in unexpected places, you’ll want to check out these must-see murals around town.

“Happiness in Color” Mural by Kurt Eagleman

This massive 31’x51’ mural on Honeysuckle Lane is impossible to miss with its bright pink backdrop and bold red poppies. Created by Brown County native Kurt Eagleman, this piece is a tribute to both the town’s rich artistic history and his own journey as an artist.

Inspired by his early mentorship with local artist Patricia Rhoden Bartels, Kurt chose poppies as a symbol of happiness, love, and artistic expression. Located on the side of Mulberry Cottage, this mural is a favorite photo spot for visitors and locals alike. After admiring the artwork, swing by Second Story Studio, Kurt’s own gallery just across the street, where you’ll find work by many talented artists.

A bright pink mural featuring large red poppies and the words "Happiness in Color, IN Indiana."

“Epic Flight” Mural by Christina Hollering

Tucked away behind a retaining wall at the Brown County Community Foundation, this mural blends art with conservation. Created by Indianapolis artist Christina Hollering, it features vibrant monarch butterflies and pollinators, highlighting the critical role these creatures play in our ecosystem.

The mural is part of a larger initiative to restore native plant habitats, making this spot not just a visual delight but also a meaningful addition to Nashville’s landscape.

A close-up of the vivid monarch butterfly mural, featuring swirling blue skies and bright orange wings.
A detailed butterfly mural painted on a retaining wall, surrounded by a landscaped hillside.

“Sunflowers” Mural by Patricia Rhoden Bartels

This mural is a large-scale printed version of a painting by Patricia Rhoden Bartels, a well-known Brown County artist famous for her rich, impressionistic floral pieces.

Her work, celebrated in the Brown County Art Guild, captures the natural beauty of the area with thick, expressive brushstrokes. The mural brings a burst of warmth to town, making it a perfect stop for art lovers and flower enthusiasts alike.

A textured mural of bright sunflowers and wildflowers covering an exterior wall of a rustic stone building.

“A Century of Art” Mural by Kurt Eagleman

Spanning 100 feet along Old Hickory Lane, on the side of the Heritage Mall, this mural is a colorful celebration of Brown County’s deep artistic roots.

Also painted by Kurt Eagleman, it features key historical figures and iconic scenes from the area’s past, including Grandma Barnes, a beloved figure from Nashville’s first Spring Blossom Parade, and painter Gustave Baumann at his easel.

The mural, supported by the Indiana Destination Development Corporation, is a beautiful nod to the town’s status as a thriving artist community.

A vibrant section of the "A Century of Art" mural featuring Grandma Barnes, an elderly woman in a blue shawl surrounded by colorful flowers, representing Brown County’s artistic heritage.
The final section of the "A Century of Art" mural showcases an artist painting the landscape, symbolizing Brown County’s long-standing tradition of plein air painting.

“Colors Reimagined” Mural by Kara Hammes

This sunset-inspired mural at the Brown County Barn Burner is more than just a beautiful landscape—it’s also an eco-friendly art project. Created by Kara Hammes, the mural was painted using leftover paint samples from when the Barn Burner was constructed in 2020.

The result is a soothing, layered depiction of a sunset at Hesitation Point in Brown County State Park. Whether you stop for a photo or grab a free coloring sheet inspired by the mural, this piece is all about seeing things in a new way.

A two-panel abstract landscape mural featuring stylized rolling hills in soft shades of green and blue

Out of the Ordinary Mural

Located just across the alley from A Century of Art, this older mural features a peaceful countryside scene with rolling hills, a barn, and a glowing sunset. Painted by Sue McAllister, it’s a nostalgic piece that captures the simple beauty of rural life. Though the years of sun exposure have softened its colors, it still adds a lovely charm to the area.

A scenic mural depicting a red barn, rolling hills, and trees, painted on the side of a building.
Another section of the same mural, showing a winding road, trees, and a distant rural landscape.

“Nature Inspires” Salt Creek Trail Scenic Mural by Kurt Eagleman

This large-scale mural transforms an underpass along the Salt Creek Trail into an immersive nature scene. Kurt Eagleman skillfully incorporated the bridge’s arches into the design, making the mural feel like an extension of the surrounding environment.

As you walk or bike past, you’ll see a blue heron, a great horned owl, and other local wildlife, with a dynamic sunrise and sunset completing the scene. It’s a stunning way to bring color and life to a once-overlooked space.

A different angle of the same bridge and the "Nature Inspires " mural, featuring the words "Brown County" across an arched structure.
A colorful mural under a bridge, called "Nature Inspires," depicting an owl, trees, and a glowing night scene.

“Brown County Wings” Mural by Mark Schmidt

Located on the back side of the Brown County Visitor Center, this interactive mural is perfect for a photo-op. The artwork features a pair of oversized butterfly-like wings filled with seasonal elements of Brown County, from fall leaves to spring wildflowers.

Hidden within the design are small details representing local landmarks—making it both a fun game and a creative tribute to the area.

A vibrant mural with two stylized Indiana maps decorated with colorful patterns and text reading "Adventure Soars in Indiana."

Brown County History Center Murals

A collection of eight murals in the lower lot of the Brown County History Center celebrates different aspects of the county’s history, culture, and landscape. Each piece was created by a different artist, with a plaque detailing each mural’s story.

A rustic mural of a pioneer couple working outside their log cabin, with farm animals and household tools nearby.

“Hohenberger Revisited: Brown County’s History is Rich”

Inspired by early 1900s photographs by Frank Hohenberger, this impressionistic mural captures the textures and tones of old tintype photography. (Artist: P. Rhoden Bartels & Brown County Junior High Art Classes)

A historical mural showing a covered wagon filled with goods, representing early Brown County trade and pioneer life.

“A Visit From the Huckster Wagon”

Depicts a rural huckster wagon from the early 1900s, a lifeline for local families needing supplies. (Artist: Ann Francis)

A whimsical mural featuring an artist and writer surrounded by books and scenes of creative activity.

“Confluence: Art, Literature, Community”

Highlights the contributions of Ada Walter Shulz and Will Vawter, two artists who helped create the first Brown County Library. (Artist: Martha Sechler)

A colorful impressionist painting of a historic home surrounded by greenery, inspired by the artist T.C. Steele.

“Steele Away!”

A tribute to T.C. Steele, one of Indiana’s most famous Impressionist painters, showing his home, The House of the Singing Winds. (Artist: Brett Volpp)

scenic painting of lush rolling hills, showcasing the beauty of Brown County State Park.

“Brown County State Park”

A scene celebrating Indiana’s largest state park and its legacy of outdoor recreation. (Artist: Anabel Hopkins)

A black-and-white mural depicting a historic Brown County homestead, complete with early 20th-century automobiles and farming scenes.

“Mathis/Bond: A Brown County Ancestry”

A nostalgic depiction of local family businesses, featuring a 1940s funeral home and farmstead. (Artist: A.W. Mathis)

A lively mural depicting campers, hikers, and a peaceful riverside scene under a bright night sky.

“Camping in Spring”

Captures the joy of camping in Brown County, from campfires and fishing to canoeing and hiking. (Artist: Rosey Bolte)

A monochrome blue-toned mural of a musician playing a banjo, celebrating the region's bluegrass music heritage.

“My Grass is Blue”

A striking blue-toned banjo mural, honoring Brown County’s deep ties to bluegrass music. (Artist: Michele Heather Pollock)

Sculptures & 3D Art in Nashville, IN

Nashville’s sculptures add another layer of creativity to the town’s artistic spirit, from whimsical roadside attractions to meaningful tributes. Whether you’re snapping a photo with a giant gnome or admiring the craftsmanship of hand-carved wood and stone, these sculptures bring art to life in Brown County.

Abe Martin Carved Wooden Statue by Chris Trotter

Standing at seven feet tall, this wooden statue by Chris Trotter honors Abe Martin, the witty fictional character created by Kin Hubbard in the early 1900s. Abe’s humorous sayings and small-town charm have been a part of Brown County’s identity for over a century.

If you’ve been to Nashville, you’ve probably passed this one without even realizing—take a second look and appreciate the craftsmanship!

A 7-foot-tall wooden sculpture of Abe Martin, a bearded cartoon character wearing a bow tie and hat, located in Nashville, Indiana.

“Soaring” by Elder Heart

One of Nashville’s most well-known sculptures, “Soaring” is a 22-foot steel installation featuring 22 swirling maple leaves—symbolizing Brown County’s autumn beauty and raising awareness for the 22 veterans lost to suicide each day.

Created by Elder Heart (now Mission 22), this powerful piece is both a work of art and a call to action for mental health support.

A striking metal sculpture of autumn leaves in vibrant red, yellow, and orange, set against a historic stone building in Nashville, Indiana.

Brown County “Bison-tennial”

Part of Indiana’s statewide public art project, this fiberglass bison is covered in vibrant maple leaves, tying it to Brown County’s fall colors.

While it’s a little tucked away near the Brown County History Center, it’s worth the stop—especially if you can explore the History Center and Pioneer Village while you’re there. And as a lover of puns, this one has my heart.

A life-sized painted bison statue adorned with autumn leaves, created to celebrate Indiana’s bicentennial.

Giant Gnome Statue

Is it high art? Probably not. Is it fun? Absolutely. Standing between the Brown County Craft Gallery and the Mercantile Store, this oversized gnome is an amusing find while wandering through town.

A large gnome statue with a red hat, green outfit, and a small frog by its foot, standing outside a shop with rustic decor.

“All Together Now” by Brad Cox

Created by local artist Brad Cox with the help of the BETA Teen Group, this metalwork installation features different faces welded together, symbolizing community and diversity.

It’s tucked away in front of Brown County Middle School, but if you’re into unique public art, it’s worth tracking down.

A collaborative sculpture made of metal gears and rings, featuring abstract faces, located at Brown County Middle School.

“High Lonesome” Carved Wooden Sculpture

Once stationed outside the Nashville House, this carved wooden sculpture now stands in front of the Artist Colony Inn.

Featuring oversized representations of a guitar, banjo, and fiddle, it honors Brown County’s deep roots in bluegrass music—especially fitting for a town so closely tied to Bill Monroe’s legacy.

A wooden sculpture of oversized musical instruments placed in front of the Artist Colony Inn, honoring bluegrass music.

“Dancer” by William Galloway

This graceful limestone sculpture was a gift from artist William Galloway to commemorate Nashville’s designation as an Indiana State Cultural District.

Located at the Pat Reilly Parking Lot, it’s a quiet but elegant nod to the town’s long-standing artistic community.

A tall limestone sculpture of an abstract human figure reaching upward, holding a circular glass element.

These sculptures, whether playful, historic, or deeply meaningful, add another artistic touch to Nashville’s already creative atmosphere. Have a favorite? Let me know which one stands out to you!

Interactive Art & Sculptures

Nashville, Indiana isn’t just home to beautiful murals and sculptures—it’s also filled with interactive art that invites you to engage, explore, and become part of the experience. Whether you’re turning gears, locking in a memory, or stepping inside a painting, these pieces make art feel personal and fun.

“Gear Fence” at the Village Green

Located at the Village Green, this hands-on fence is designed with colorful gears, handles, and casters that spin and move—perfect for little ones (or kids at heart) who like to tinker.

The Village Green is also a great resting spot, with benches, public restrooms, and games like checkers.

A metal fence featuring whimsical gear faces and red flower-like designs in a courtyard with brick buildings.

“LOVE” by Ryan Yoder & Evan Mollo

This bold metal installation in Franklin Square is a must-visit for couples and friends alike.

Visitors can bring a lock (or grab one from the nearby Sora Binti Boutique) to attach to the sculpture’s grating, creating a lasting tribute to love.

A large metal sculpture spelling "LOVE" in an artistic, industrial style, surrounded by a garden.

“Marie in the Woods” by Brad Cox

Tucked away in Coachlight Square, this interactive metal sculpture was inspired by a historic photograph of Brown County artist Marie Goth painting outdoors.

Visitors can sit on the stool and become the artist or step into one of the frames to be “painted” themselves. It’s a fun way to bring the past into the present, and Coachlight Square itself has plenty of open space for kids to roam.

A metal art installation featuring empty picture frames on stands, encouraging visitors to frame the scenery.

Wooden Wonders by Chris Trotter

Local chainsaw artist Chris Trotter transforms wood into stunning sculptures, from totem poles to custom carvings. You’ll often find him in the alley off Main Street, actively working on new pieces—though be warned, it can get loud!

One of the most popular carvings outside his shop is a full-size wooden motorcycle, perfect for a fun photo op.

A storefront featuring detailed wooden carvings, including a bear, a hand-shaped chair, and other sculptures, at Wooden Wonders.
A rustic wooden motorcycle sculpture with intricate details, nestled among greenery outside Wooden Wonders.

These interactive pieces make Nashville’s art scene feel alive and engaging. Whether you’re spinning gears, leaving a love lock, or striking a pose inside a frame, these installations are worth checking out while you’re in town!

How to Find These Public Art Pieces

Want to see all of these murals, sculptures, and interactive art pieces in person? I’ve made it easy! Check out this custom Google Map that pinpoints the exact locations of each piece so you can plan your own self-guided tour.

A Final Splash of Color: Exploring Brown County’s Public Art

Brown County’s public art scene isn’t just decoration—it’s a window into the creativity, history, and personality of our community. Whether you’re locking in a memory at the LOVE sculpture, following the vibrant details of a mural, or stumbling across a hidden artistic gem, every piece tells a story worth discovering.

If you visit any of these spots, I’d love to see your photos! Tag @tanglewood.hideway on social media to share your experience.

Know of a new mural, sculpture, or public art installation we should add to this guide? Let me know—I’d love to keep this list growing!

Happy exploring! 🎨✨

Hi there! I'm Kara and I live in Nashville, Indiana with my husband and our two daughters. I love sharing my local favorites and travel tips on my blog Tanglewood Hideaway and hosting guests at our rental, the Brown County Barn Burner.

When I'm not doing that, then I spend my time hiking, gardening (aka pulling weeds and trying to deter the deer), experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, starting DIY projects that might only ever get 90% finished, and planning our next travel adventure.