TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Two artists who have done work in Terre Haute shared their experiences at the Swope Art Museum on Friday.

Becky Hochhalter and James Shepard are both professional artists. Hochhalter is currently working on the mural that’s on the side of the Terminal Public House. It features facets of Terre Haute’s history.

Shephard has done work on murals and signs such as at Baeslers Market as well as the military museum, which Hochhalter also worked on as well.

Both artists spoke on Friday about the importance of art in our local communities.

“Well, public art is very important to small communities because it increases the perceived value of those communities in the eyes of prospective businesses and investors and people who want to potentially live in this community,” Hochhalter said.

“I know people who have never been in Swope Art Gallery who have lived here their whole life, and so they’re not exposed to all this great artwork, so when they see a mural at least they’re being exposed to some artistic people and images,” Shepard said.

Hochhalter spoke at noon and Shepard will be talking at 6:00 p.m.