Celebrated Artist to Paint Mural Honoring Tamika Catchings in Mass Ave District

This summer, a towering tribute to one of Indianapolis’ most beloved figures will take shape in the heart of the city’s vibrant Mass Ave district. South Bend artist Nate Baranowski has been selected to create a large-scale mural honoring WNBA legend and Naismith Hall of Famer Tamika Catchings, just in time for the AT&T WNBA All-Star 2025 event taking place in July.

Baranowski’s winning design emerged from a competitive international search that drew 98 artist applicants. After narrowing the field to four finalists, the selection committee ultimately chose Baranowski for his ability to capture the essence of Catchings—not just her storied basketball career, but her ongoing role as a community leader, entrepreneur, and advocate.

“Tamika Catchings is a magnetic personality and an amazing force for good,” Baranowski said. “She’s more than a basketball icon—she’s a mentor, an activist, a speaker, and a motivator. I wanted my design to reflect the high-energy force that surrounds her and everything she does.”

A graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a BFA, Baranowski brings a versatile background in street painting and mural design. His work spans chalk murals, indoor and outdoor painted pieces, digital art, and canvas painting.

The new mural will occupy a prominent wall on a residential building owned by Buckingham Companies, located at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue, New Jersey Street, and Michigan Street. The site sits next to the well-known Etheridge Knight mural, adding to the growing tapestry of public art in the area. The mural is funded through a grant from the Capital Improvement Board of Managers of Marion County and will be owned and maintained by the Indy Arts Council. It is expected to remain in place for at least 15 years.

The selection process included not only artistic review but also public engagement. In April, community members weighed in on the finalists’ concept designs through a public input survey. The finalists also had a unique opportunity to speak directly with Catchings, allowing them to better understand her personality and legacy.

Catchings expressed her excitement about the project, stating, “Nate's artwork highlights my entire career—from basketball to giving back through the Catch the Stars Foundation. It’s an incredible honor.”

Site preparation and painting will begin in mid-June, with the mural slated for completion in time to welcome visitors and fans for WNBA All-Star Weekend, July 18–19. The piece promises to be both a lasting work of art and a celebration of an athlete whose impact on Indianapolis continues to grow far beyond the court.