Indianola Public Arts Commission To Kick Off 'Illuminate Indianola' Mural Project

The Indianola Public Arts Commission (IPAC) is excited to kick off "Illuminate Indianola," a community-focused public art initiative that's designed to help enhance the alleyway between 111 and 115 N Buxton Street to the Indianola Downtown Square.

Contributing to the vibrancy and welcoming atmosphere of the downtown district, and recognizing how dark the space becomes at night, this project will include lighting and murals on both the north and south walls in the alleyway. It aims to celebrate Indianola's unique history with hot air ballooning and align with the broader theme of wonder and reflection found in the Wonder on Buxton sculptures - a separate public art project organized by Indianola Hometown Pride.

"It has been demonstrated over and over again that public art brings visitors to communities, boosts local economies and is a beautiful aesthetic benefit for all to enjoy. We are extremely excited to have a lighting artist work with our community members to create an original artwork to this dark alleyway," said Bob Kling, vice chair of the Indianola Public Arts Commission. "Not only will it make a quick and safe walking area from one of the city's parking lots to our Square, but it will become a destination for locals and visitors to marvel and enjoy."

"Illuminate Indianola," budgeted for $50,000, is funded thanks to a $25,000 grant award that IPAC received last year from Bravo Greater Des Moines, as well as through the commission's own fundraising efforts and the generosity of donors. Following the review of submitted qualifications, proposals and concepts, IPAC selected Pennsylvania-based artist Lori Hepner to bring "Illuminate Indianola" to life.

IPAC presented the project and agreements to the Indianola City Council on December 19, 2024, receiving unanimous approval and support.

Hepner has experience with lighting art and plans to involve the community from the conceptualization stages to completion. The project plays with color and light, incorporating hues that shift throughout the day and night - much like the changing sky at sunrise and sunset. By combining the lightness of balloons with the theme of wonder, "Illuminate Indianola" will engage the public visually, emotionally and historically and foster a sense of pride in the community.

Scheduled installation for "Illuminate Indianola" is targeted between May to September 2025.

Community Workshops: February 28-March 2

To start the process, Hepner will lead community workshops from February 28 through March 2, 2025, at the Principal Black Box Theater at Simpson College. The purpose for the workshops is to incorporate the community's movements and contributions into the final design for installation. The workshops are geared to include people of all ages and abilities.

Finalized details for the workshops and next steps will be announced soon. Please visit the City of Indianola website at www.indianolaiowa.gov/IlluminateIndianola for project updates and informational resources.

Want to Donate or Sponsor Project?

Additionally, IPAC continues to accept donations and sponsorships to support "Illuminate Indianola."

If you are interested, please call Indianola City Hall at 515-961-9410 or email [email protected].

Check Out Preliminary Project Sketches

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