As Tipton embraces the new murals that are contributing to the revitalization of the downtown area,…read moreit is nice to look back to the first public art in town. Inside the Post Office, a 12' x 7' mural was added to the interior west wall. The mural, painted by Donald Mattison, was started in 1936 and finished the following year. The title, "Indiana Farming", fits the community even today. The mural was commissioned post-Depression as part of a program to help keep artists employed around the state. I know of 36 post offices which were selected as part of the program. The idea being that since everyone used the post office, the mural would be shared by everyone. The mural shows multiple activities related to farming. There is a team of horses hauling the crops into the barn, a mother and daughter folding the laundry from the clothes line, a boy who collected eggs, and several other activities. The mural is done is pastels though it is possible that time has faded some of the colors. If the post office is open, this is a fine example of the cultural heritage of the community. Review #2814

Fun fact: Much like…read morethe drama masks included as part of the public art installation "Admit One" located on the east wall of Tipton, Indiana's Diana theatre, I am also adorned with a similar tattoo. So, you can imagine my delight when I finally had a chance to check out "Admit One," an installation added to the historic theatre in 2017 with most of the work being done by Robin Coyner along with community volunteers. The installation was part of the "Art in Rural Places" project and it fits sublimely on the Diana's building as its an entirely film-themed installation that includes a large projector, the theater masks (my tattoo), and a theatre ticket. It's an attractive, colorful addition to the historic building (I'll confess I was somewhat surprised it was allowed on the building). I like the way that the film reel incorporates touches significant to the Tipton area. It's a wonderful weaving together of the project's rural setting with the public art. While the project was completed in 2017, I'm somewhat saddened that it hasn't caught on in downtown Tipton. Sponsored by The Arts Federation, "Admit One" is artwork that instantly makes you smile when you drive by it and it's one of those pieces of art that is practically a "must stop" locations that is ideal for a selfie. The mural takes the entire east side of the building and draws you in if you're coming in on that side of the Diana. The Arts Federation actually places murals in several counties and they're nearly all remarkable efforts that add a nice spark of creativity in rural settings.

Unless you are coming into Tipton from the east, you could easily miss one of the best matches of…read moreart and business in the area! On the east wall of the Diana Theatre, a mural was added in 2017 that compliments the movie theater with local historical sites in the area. The art shows the historic buildings as frames of film while an over sized projector and the theater masks sit in the background. The art was primarily painted by Robin Coyner (with some help from local volunteers) as part of the Tippecanoe Arts Federation's program "Arts in Rural Places." The mural is colorful and somewhat whimsical. There's even a giant theater ticket on the north end of the wall. This is a really nice addition to the downtown to add some color and vibrancy to an area known with its older buildings that lack much life. I hope Tipton can continue to find ways to add art to its downtown. Review #2042

There is a new public art mural across the street on the north side of the courthouse in Marion…read more Created by local artist/art teacher Andrew Luttrull in 2018, the mural spans the entire length of the alley! The artist wanted to create a mural that would focus on the possibilities of what could be and then working towards making that change happen, i.e., a mural that would be positive and encourage being proactive. The mural is painted on a light blue background and from left to right, shows a young male preparing to launch a paper airplane which then changes in a frame by frame style, into a white bird. I found the story of the mural easy to follow and imaginative. And the bright colors seem to soften the emotional effect of walking passed a long, otherwise dark alley. I wish more communities would invest in transforming their old downtowns into canvases and thereby create points of interest for visitors to see. I hope that Marion and the rest of Grant County can take steps to revitalize their towns like I am seeing throughout central Indiana. Review #2258

A very beautiful mural with a positive message. Brings life and color into downtown Marion.read more

The Twisted House is a whimsical, quirky sculpture in the ArtsPark. The house is the 2005 work of…read moreJohn McNaughton. McNaughton was a founding member of the Art Department of University of Southern Indiana. He passed away in 2022. The Twisted House is typical of his fun-loving approach to art. The wood sculpture has a storybook appearance. I can imagine that kids (and maybe even a few squirrels) would have fun visiting and playing in the structure with the crooked door and roof that curves over into the ground. The sculpture brought a smile to my face. The Twisted House worth a visit if you like art. There is no charge to walk through the quiet and serene park. There is free parking at the east side of the park.

It was a cold crisp day in late November when I visited the house. I knocked on the door but…read morenobody was home. Just kidding. It is a piece of artwork. It reminds me of the nursery rhyme about the old woman who lived in a shoe. It is just one piece of outdoor artwork and sculptures available on the grounds of the Indianapolis Art Center. I found plenty of parking available at the Center's parking lot. Then it is short walk from the lot.

The Kokomo Art Association seems to be doing quite well. I stopped into the Artworks Gallery to…read morecheck out what they were showing. The space is beautifully arranged and the walls were covered with artwork that appeared to be local in origin. A competition of sorts had been held since I saw numerous ribbons next to paintings, sketchings, and photographs. I recall seeing that the prices on items that were for sale as being quite reasonable too. Not only is the showroom downstairs filled with art, but there is more space beyond the counter and even more, though not as much space, upstairs. The location is great too because the Artist Alley is next door and the IU-Kokomo art gallery is just about a block to the south, so for anyone who is interested in art, this is a convenient way to check out what the area has to offer. Note: Check out my review of the Sculpture Trail in Kokomo that is just a couple blocks to the west and south to see the current exhibit on display until 2021. There are also numerous murals downtown to see and more sculpture down on the IU-Kokomo campus. Kokomo is embracing the arts and as long as they do, I will keep returning to check out what is new. Review #2484

From the owner: The Kokomo Art Association's Artworks Gallery is a place for our artists to exhibit and sell their…read morework. Local artists displaying and selling original artwork. Acrylics, watercolors, beadwork, photography, pebble art, pottery, textured paintings, porcelain. 4 artist's studios. Soon to be an artist communal area where artists work on their individual art projects while interacting with other artists.

While strolling along the Mississinewa Riverwalk, I discovered this mammoth sculpture of historic…read moresignificance. The sculpture was designed by artist Karl Kendall and recast as a ten foot bronze in 2005. The scene features a soldier, a Native American couple, and a horse following the War of 1812. After attacks on the villages, the remaining Native Americans were relocated to Ohio so that they could no longer assist the British. The soldiers were ordered to surrender their own horses to help the surviving tribe members relocate during the cold December weather. The scene is meant to show the compassion for those who suffered in war. Review #2248

I love when they show our history through art especially sculptures I think it's so wonderfulread more

The irony of allowing humanity to fall so deep into greed that the unhoused population sit on this…read morebench without anywhere to call home. Says lots without saying a word.

This is a very powerful and intriguing piece that is located off to the side of the Roberts Park…read moreUnited Methodist Church. This sculpture is the work of Timothy Schmalz, a Canadian sculptor and devout Catholic, who was commissioned by Roberts Park United Methodist Church to create this bronze sculpture in 2015. It also goes by the name Jesus the Homeless. As nice as it is, this piece is not one of a kind. There are a bunch of them placed all around the world, well over 100. The original was made in 2013 and is located at Regis College, University of Toronto. Other locations that you will find the sculpture include Australia, Singapore, Israel, South Korea, Scotland, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Columbia and the Dominican Republic to name just a few. This sculpture is very realistic and detailed. Which brings me to a funny story. In October 2020, police in Ohio were dispatched to a report of a homeless man sleeping on a park bench. Ironically, this call was made within 20 minutes of the Homeless Jesus sculpture being installed. Yep, some called the police on the statue. I will admit, I had to do a double take to make sure it was not real when I saw it. And you are certain to be fooled if you are driving by. It should be noted the the sculpture in Vatican City has received the blessing of the Pope. The bench is about 7 feet wide and depicts a covered figure, assumed to be Jesus, laying on it. The only real identification being the crucifixion wounds on the figures feet. For the low price of 99.99 you too can have your own mini-homeless Jesus made by the artist himself. The sculpture is just off of the Roberts Park United Methodist Church parking lot and runs along Alabama Street. There is tons of metered street parking available in front of and adjacent to the sculpture. There is also a commercial parking lot directly behind it that you can pull into, get out and take a closer look too. I guess you could also do a safe and strategic slow rolling drive by and get a a half decent look, but I do not recommend that. You will not get the full effect of the sculpture. As with most sculptures that I have visited and reviewed, this is not a very long stop. I was there less than 5 minutes. You may want to consider planning out additional stops at many of the other sculptures, murals and attractions in the area, or making this stop part of a larger itinerary to maximize your time and trip. Brickhead3 and Viewfinders would be a great start.

Grant County has honored the creator of the cartoon character, Garfield, with a trail tour through…read morethe County. Garfield's creator, Jim Davis, was born and raised in Grant County. Giant figures of the iconic feline are scattered throughout different communities. A cell phone tour describes attractions along the route. I visited several of the figures during my recent visit to Grant County. The first stop is at the Community Foundation of Grant County. The people at the Foundation provided us with a map and information of the Trail. The Garfield behind the Foundation is on a pedestal with a description plaque. This cat is called "Marion - Paws for Thought". Garfield (a little faded) stands with his arms folded showing a little attitude. Our second stop was at the Marion Public Library. Inside, "Bookworm Garfield" is surrounded by books. He is also decorated for the holidays. There are fourteen figures throughout the County. The Trail is a fun way to learn about Grant County. I didn't know about the Trail until my visit. I recommend picking up the map and hooking into the mobile phone guided tour. I found nearby parking at each of our stops, though accessibility was variable.

This is one of the Garfield statues on the Grant County Garfield Trail. Unfortunately, you can't…read moreget close to it, because it's in a garden that's fenced off and locked. So everyone in my party oohed and aahed from a good distance away. There's a plaque inside the gate but close enough to read that outlines what the Garfield Trail is and a little about the statue at this stop. Basically, Grant County has placed Garfield statues all around in different cities in honor of cartoonist Jim Davis, who is from the area. You can drive around and check out each one. It's a nice way to explore Grant County and learn more about a famous Hoosier. There were also some brochures for the Garfield trail inside a little plastic container, which tell you where each statue is located. There's a little parking lot just around the corner from the statue, or you can park on the street.

If you are in the Hagerstown area, do yourself a favor and check out this fantastic mural inside…read morethe second floor of the Nettle Creek Valley Museum (the Odd Fellows Hall). The place may have a small fee and has limited hours, and the stairs up to the second floor can be kind of steep. But I have never seen anything quite like it, despite the quirky setting. Painted in 1913 (and having had some touch up work along the way), this massive mural by Charles Newcomb covers all four walls and has a painted sky for the ceiling! Despite the room being a bit cluttered with other items, there is enough of the mural visible to appreciate the effort it took to make the images all fit with a common theme. Each of the walls appears to be painted as an outdoor wall with a balcony about two thirds of the way up. Above the balcony, there are potted trees and shrubs, and folks dressed in what I would be guess to be Florentine attire from the Renaissance period. And in some cases, there are figures painted at floor level like an affluent couple with their dog. The mural is thought to be inspired by the painting in Philadelphia called "Girls Dining Room" by Maxfield Parrish, a contemporary of Newcomb. Review #1244