Mural Fest Artist - Amy Buchs
Q&A with Amy Buchs - Make It Your Own Mural Fest Artist
LaGrange County | LaGrange
- Artist | Amy Buchs
- Hometown | Waterloo, IN
- Mural Location | 202 N. Detroit St., LaGrange, IN 46761
1. Why is public art important to a community’s quality of life?
Taking art to the public allows everyone to participate. Museum-goers deliberately delight in art conversations. People on the street surprise themselves with their responses to public art which makes everyone a participator. Making stimulating environments, promoting conversation, and a sense of belonging, making a destination of beauty and entertainment and community pride is some of the main goals for my murals because all of these are key ingredients for quality of life.
2. Why did you apply to install a mural in Northeast Indiana?
I applied because I love to paint large and paint in public, and who wouldn't want to participate in a festival? This Make It Your Own Mural Fest project is much larger than me so it will be thrilling to be a part of it!
3. What is it about installing/painting murals that you enjoy so much?
I really enjoy it when passers-by stop and say a few words or ask a few questions; when that happens my sense of purpose is fulfilled. I am a retired teacher and I am incredibly lucky to be able to apply the skills that I taught for years to create significant public art.
4. What is it like installing a mural?
Big is powerful! Every design is labored over on paper until it is good. When that same design is bigger than life, it looks amazing!
About Amy Buchs
Amy Buchs is a retired art teacher who has always specialized in painting. One of her main goals is to be involved in the community. Her art classes painted 6 murals throughout DeKalb county, entered several group Art On the Square projects for Downtown Auburn and did projects for the DeKalb County parks, Shelter Ministries, paintings for Waterloo’s soup kitchen as well as partnerships and involvement in local art shows. Since retirement almost 3 years ago, Amy has painted 6 wall murals for 3 DeKalb County Schools, painted a community mural in a new soup kitchen and 2 outdoor murals in downtown Auburn. Read more about Amy’s work in a KPC News story.
See examples of Amy Buchs' previous work below!
Make It Your Own Mural Fest worked with 11 muralists from around the country to install murals in Northeast Indiana's 11 counties. Want to learn more about the Mural Fest artists?
Meet the Artists
