Meet the Maker: Nate Baranowski
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Artist Nate Baranowski and the winning mural art. Photos: Courtesy of Indy Arts Council
Meet the South Bend artist chosen to create a mural of one of Indy's most beloved hoops icons on one of the city's most popular streets.
Why it matters: Nate Baranowski's 24-foot piece will debut this summer in time to welcome scores of fans to the Circle City for the sellout 2025 WNBA All-Star Game in July.
What he's saying: "Tamika Catchings is a magnetic personality and an amazing force for good to those around her and in her community," Baranowski said in a statement. "She is not just a legendary basketball player, but also an entrepreneur, activist, broadcaster, volunteer, mentor and motivational speaker. I wanted my design to reflect this high-energy force surrounding her."
Zoom in: Baranowski was one of 98 artists who responded to an international call from the Indy Arts Council and WNBA All-Star 2025 Host Committee.
- Baranowski — a University of Illinois grad with a degree in fine arts and a passion for street painting — has experience with large chalk murals, painted murals, acrylic on canvas and various forms of digital painting.
- He was the only Indiana creator to make the final four.
The inspo: The selection committee said Baranowski best captured Catchings' bright personality, basketball legacy and impact on Indy.
- "Nate stood out. Just being able to hit on so many different parts of my career," Catchings said. "Encompassing the Catch the Stars Foundation, Teas Me Cafe … it's cool to see, just like from a portrait in the backdrop, each phase of life."
Check him out: On his website, Instagram and X.
What's next: The mural will be installed on a residential building owned by Buckingham Companies at the intersection of Mass Ave and New Jersey and Michigan streets in mid-June.