INDIANAPOLIS — The Public Arts for Neighborhood Grants through the Indy Arts Council were recently announced. The initiative pairs artists with communities to collaborate on arts and cultural projects for residents.
The Irvington Development Organization was selected to work with artist Andrea Light to create a mural commemorating Irvington resident Madge Oberholtzer’s 100th death anniversary. This project reinforces Irvington’s status as an art hub and educates about Madge’s role in taking down the Ku Klux Klan in Indiana.
Ellenberger Park Family Center has paired with Cassia Malbone and Friends of Ellenberger Park, and muralist Andre Parnell to create a garden-inspired mural to help beautify the park and historic Irvington. The mural will enhance the Pollinator Patio area, which will support camps, family activities, and educational gardening events.
Brookside Neighborhood Association has paired with photographer Zola Lamothe in an exhibit “Unveiling a Forgotten Legacy” in Brookside and produce an exhibition catalogue. Hosted by 1000words gallery in Fall 2024, the photography showcases real stories of Black neighborhoods along Indiana Avenue, prompting reflection on community displacement and cultural preservation.
Near East Area Renewal (NEAR) will collaborate with artist Addie Hirschten of Studio Alchemy, a resident and working artist in the Cottage Home Neighborhood, to create a mural under the 10th St. rail bridge highlighting the flowers found in residents’ gardens of Windsor Park and Cottage Home neighborhoods.
“Creating Home: A Collaborative Mural Project” led by artists Tiffany Black Behzad and Qahar Behzad will be installed at Hanna Commons, a supportive housing development in south Indianapolis.
In June 2024, Ladywood Estates Historic District on the northeast side celebrates Avriel Shull, their trail-blazing designer, with “Celebrate Avriel 2024.” Musicians and neighborhood residents Melissa Gallant and Wendy Reed, along with guest musicians and visual artist Giselle Trujillo, will focus on mid-20th century women as they showcase Shull’s designs and offer a unique multi-media art experience.