celebrate our county ’ s milestone anniversary .
“ People come from all over to visit the falls , just as they have for over two centuries ,” she added . “ This gives visitors something new to see in one of the oldest attractions in the county .”
Four new decorated crosswalks now liven up the streetscape in Pendleton , the result of a grantfunded project through the Indiana Arts Commission . The crosswalks , designed by various community groups , are located at the intersection leading into the entrance of Pendleton ’ s public park .
“ Our goal with the crosswalks is not only to get cars and drivers to slow down but also to build collaboration with four unique groups working toward one goal ,” explained Lisa Floyd of the South Madison Community Foundation .
This concept was tested last summer when the foundation worked with a local nonprofit school in downtown Pendleton to design a decorated crosswalk . “ They came up with the idea of what they wanted the crosswalk to look like and decided to make a representation of a sunrise since Pendleton has really cool sunrises ,” Floyd explained . “ When that was complete , we decided to play off of it and worked with the town to identify other streets where future crosswalks could go .”
The groups chosen to conceptualize the murals are Best Buddies , which is made up of adults with developmental disabilities and their nondisabled mentors ; young men housed at the Pendleton Juvenile Correction Facility ; and More Than Conquerors , an afterschool , faith-based program .
Professional artist Holly Sims , a professor at Anderson University , listened to the groups ’ design concepts and interpreted those ideas to create the artwork . Based on their input , she made an outline of the artwork in each crosswalk , and each group painted their design . In the case of the correctional facility , corrections officers painted the young artists ’ designs .
“ The groups were chosen for their diversity and our desire to give them a platform within the community ,” said Floyd .
Sims began painting the outlines on the crosswalks on Labor Day , and the paintathon took place soon after . Three Rivers Federal Credit Union hosted a refreshment stand for those who came down during the day to see the painters ’ progress .
Pendleton also held its third annual Chalk the Walk event during Parkfest on September 7 , 2023 . This fundraiser raises money for the eventual construction of an amphitheater in the park , and included a sidewalk art decorating contest , a performance by local band Stella Luna and the Satellites , and a kids ’ zone with games and face painting .
“ Last year , we partnered with the high school art department for their students to manage Chalk the Walk ,” said Floyd . “ The students solicit artists from the community — and anyone can create a chalk design .”
Floyd said that this year ’ s event was larger than ever , and included the park ’ s quarter-mile walking path , which was filled with art designs .
“ In years ’ past , 100 percent of all ticket sales and net proceeds were able to go directly into the fund at the community foundation for the amphitheater ,” said Floyd , who credits loyal sponsors with making this possible . “ In two years , we ’ ve raised over $ 20,000 .”
ANDERSON
Another impressive art project will take place in Anderson , IN , through The Artist Alley project , which will turn a dark , blighted alleyway into an outdoor exhibition space showcasing local artists . The outdoor exhibition hall will feature a rotating collection of works by talented residents and will include east and west archway gates , interactive overhead LED lighting , and 10 works of art on display at a time .
“ The current dark alley environment does not create a welcoming atmosphere conducive to the greater ideal of what we strive to produce for anyone experiencing downtown ; especially for the
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