FISHERS, INDIANA (Nov. 7, 2016)—The Fishers Arts Council and City of Fishers selected three Indiana artists to paint a series of six signal boxes in the Nickel Plate Arts District representing the city’s vision of a smart, entrepreneurial and vibrant community. Artists William Denton Ray and Marc Anderson from Indianapolis, and Fishers’ artist Jacque Hammonds began prepping and painting the signal boxes late last week.
Their original designs will be painted directly on utility boxes along 116th Street and Commercial Drive. After being sealed with a graffiti-resistant coating, the artwork should last up to three years. All six pieces should be completed next week, weather dependent.
“The city partnered with the Fishers Arts Council two years ago to develop a Community Master Art Plan that better defines public spaces through public art installations,” said Lisa Vielee, president of the Fishers Arts Council.
This is the third public art installation as part of the Fishers Community Master Art Plan. The first, “INvisible Art” by Jessica Springman, was installed this summer on the sidewalks surrounding the Central Green using hydrophobic paint. The second installation is a series of banners on The Edge parking garage. The first set of seven banners, titled “Pursuing Innovation” by Rachel Johnson, was unveiled last week.
“Not only do these art installations interpret the entrepreneurial spirit and iconic elements of our community, they add vibrancy and a sense of discovery to the District,” added Vielee.
The signal box designs selected and their locations include:
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“Blue Balloons” by Marc Anderson—116th Street and Holland Drive
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“Birds (Watching Them Watching Us)” by William Denton Ray—116th Street and Regency Drive
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“Straight-On Monon,” by Jacque Hammonds—116th Street and Municipal Drive
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“Red Bikes” by Marc Anderson—116th Street and Lantern Road
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“Mille Bornes” by Jacque Hammonds—Commercial Drive and North Street
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“Face the Music” by William Denton Ray—Commercial Drive and Lantern Road
The artists were selected by a committee comprised of representatives from the Fishers Arts Council, the City of Fishers, the Fishers City Council, and Nickel Plate Arts. Each artist was chosen for his or her technical and artistic ability, experience working with local municipalities, and for demonstrating an understanding of the personality of the Nickel Plate District.
The Nickel Plate District in Fishers has experienced robust development in recent years. This growth includes mixed- use developments, offices, residential units, restaurants and retail uses. In addition to the high volume of pedestrian and cyclist traffic, 32,000 vehicles pass through the district daily.
About the Fishers Arts Council
Fishers Arts Council is the leading arts organization in the City of Fishers, Indiana. It partners with local organizations, artists, performers, students, and businesses for arts and cultural occasions that enhance our vibrant city. Run entirely by volunteers, the Fishers Arts Council envisions the arts as a genuine reflection of our community’s value and diversity, woven into the daily community life of the city. Find out more at fishersartscouncil.com.