Foundation East’s highly successful — and visible — arts project on the east side has attracted a lot of positive attention from other parts of the city. The painted signal boxes have also attracted the attention of vandals, who have thrown paint on a few of the works in the past few months.
Repairs to the vandalized signal box on the corner of Emerson and Brookville Road brought Dave and Holly Combs, directors of the Department of Public Words, out to repaint the “happy car.” They also added a message to the vandals: “I Love You” in big letters. Then they asked fellow signal box artist Rita Spalding to work a little of her magic as well. She used the vandal’s paint drips as stems for sunflowers. The artists all commented that they were making lemonade from the lemons.
According to Vishant Shah, co-founder of Foundation East, they have been contacted by Indianapolis Downtown, Inc. and Broad Ripple organizations to use the same ideas as graffiti abatement tools, as well as to increase public art. “We’ve talked to the Cultural Trail people, and other organizations. But the east side should be proud that it started here. We were first.”
Shah also noted that artist Andrew Severn has been working on restoring boxes damaged on East Washington. “Those boxes get hit big-time with sand and salt.” In addition, a vandal has thrown paint on the one at Emerson and Washington St. recently, requiring a complete re-do. After painting is completed, the boxes will be given a clear coat that will make graffitti easier to remove.
Shah stated that Foundation East’s projects have been so successful because they have been financially supported by the people in the community. “I’ve had people send me checks for $5 with a note that they wished it was more. They believe in what we’re doing. We can’t do this without the community.”
To find out how to help further the “dreamers and artists” of Foundation East, visit their Facebook page, or e-mail artfunddream@gmail.com
