DISCOVER | Ar t Projects
patrons of the arts visiting our Paramount Theatre ,” said Levi Rinker , artistic director for A Town Center , which led the drive for the new exhibition space . “ Whether people are leaving from an event or going to a show , nobody wants visitors to encounter the threats associated with a dark alley .
“ By engaging the community , we can create livelier links between places , and turn this alley into an asset ,” added Rinker . “ As a collaborative initiative advocating , promoting and celebrating the arts in Anderson , and an advocate for arts in all art forms , this alleyway project is just another way that the Anderson Arts Alliance can further our outreach to the community and better the downtown experience for visitors and residents alike .”
The new outdoor exhibition space is funded by a crowdfunding campaign and a matching grant as part of the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority ’ s ( IHCDA ) and AARP Indiana ’ s CreatINg Livable Communities program .
“ The power of public art is that it is transformative by nature in how it can rejuvenate a given space ,” noted Rinker . “ By taking artwork off the gallery walls and making it accessible to everyone all year round , we can further inspire our neighborhood and transform our shared spaces through creativity and connectivity .”
ELWOOD AND COUNTYWIDE
Madison County residents and visitors will also be able to enjoy three new murals highlighting the communities , people and history of Madison County . The brainchild of The Madison County Bicentennial Legacy Committee , a new mural will be created in northern , central , and south Madison County locations .
“ We are hoping to see murals which depict an important historical event , place , or some other feature that truly represents Madison County and its people ,” said Committee Chair Clayton Whitson about the proposals that will be judged on design , creativity , location , and how closely the mural represents Madison County or one of its communities . “ Ideally , the murals will celebrate our history , and mention the bicentennial in the artwork .”
The first mural has already been selected , and will appear in the 300 block of South Anderson Street / SR 13 on the south side of the former Elwood Call-Leader building . Conceptualized by the Elwood Bicentennial subcommittee , a collage will depict iconic images from Elwood ’ s history including Wendell L . Willkie , the school arch , the old city building , glass-blowing , the glass festival , the tin plate / train depot , and historic downtown .
Local artists Brandee Gordon and Mallory Helpling will begin painting the sepia-toned mural this fall .
“ This mural will transform the plain brown side of a building into a beautiful piece of artwork that represents some of Elwood ’ s rich history ,” said Christy Clark , Economic & Community Development director , City of Elwood . “ Along with the other murals already located in our uptown , we hope this mural will help with economic development by bringing people from other areas into our community , thus generating revenue for our local shops , restaurants , and other establishments . We also believe the location of the mural will increase the foot traffic in our uptown business district as individuals walk from one mural to another .”
Many other projects and presentations will take place during the year to celebrate Madison County ’ s bicentennial , and all are open to the public . For more information , visit https :// madisoncounty200 . com . You can also follow the bicentennial event on Facebook .
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This mural will transform the plain brown side of a building into a beautiful piece of artwork that represents some of Elwood ’ s rich history . Along with the other murals already located in our uptown , we hope this mural will help with economic development by bringing people from other areas into our community , thus generating revenue for our local shops , restaurants , and other establishments ."
CHRISTY CLARK , ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR , CITY OF ELWOOD
16 | DISCOVER FALL / WINTER 2023