FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – The dedication of a large mural in the East Central Neighborhood was held on Monday. It was created as part of the Public Art Commission’s Shout Out program, which helps Fort Wayne neighborhoods to activate public spaces with art.
Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker joined representatives of the Fort Wayne Public Art Commission and the East Central Neighborhood to dedicate a new mural created by local artist Julie Wall along the Coombs Street retaining walls near the intersection of Coombs and Liberty streets.
The mural, entitled Rich History, Bright Future, portrays many important historical elements of the East Central Neighborhood.
The City released the following:
The neighborhood was first home to members of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, who are represented through the ribbon work of the mural, the sandhill cranes and plants that are significant to their culture.
Silhouettes of different people of all ages depict those who have lived in the neighborhood, including John Nuckols, Fort Wayne’s first Black City Councilman and the namesake of Nuckols Park. Notable homes and buildings are also portrayed, including the Jennings Center, Turner Chapel AME, African / African-American Historical Museum – Phyllis Wheatley Center, the arched entrance to Hanna Homestead Park and Ellis Funeral Home. Butterflies and stars indicate the bright future of the neighborhood, its transformation and growth.
“The Shout Out program is such a great way to celebrate and inspire pride in Fort Wayne’s neighborhoods,” said Mayor Tucker. “This mural is a beautiful representation of the East Central Neighborhood’s history, resilience and bright future.”
The Public Art Commission’s Shout Out Committee selected Wall to create the mural after releasing a request for proposals and receiving multiple responses from artists throughout the region. The committee balances hiring local artists with artists from other communities to curate a diverse and interesting mix of art in Fort Wayne. Funding for the project comes from the Public Art Giveback Program, which receives contributions from developers working with the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission.
Many organizations and individuals contributed to the successful installation of the mural, including:
The Fort Wayne Public Art Commission and Shout Out Committee for developing and implementing the Shout Out Program.
Nate Lefever, City of Fort Wayne staff to the Public Art Commission.
William Bryant-Rozier, contract employee responsible for day-to-day management of the Shout Out Program.
Members of the East Central Neighborhood for their collaboration with the artist.
Volunteers from the National Society of Black Engineers, Indiana Tech chapter.
Miami Tribe of Oklahoma for their collaboration with the artist and neighborhood.
Fort Wayne Public Works, responsible for preparation of the surface prior to painting.
Fort Wayne Neighborhoods Department for their collaboration with residents and the artist.
Grind & Shine for power washing the walls.
Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission, for facilitation of the Public Art Giveback Program.
About Community Development: The City of Fort Wayne’s Community Development Division works to establish Fort Wayne as the Community of Choice for residents, visitors and businesses by growing the economy, strengthening neighborhoods and supporting housing options. Visit CityofFortWayne.in.gov/CD for more information.
About Julie Wall: Born and raised in Fort Wayne, Julie Wall owns The Hedge Creative House and has a background in printmaking and metals. Her work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Forbes, Wedding Day Magazine, Travel Awaits and more. Her corporate clients include Vera Bradley, General Motors, Steel Dynamics, Target, Sweetwater Sound, Purdue University, and many more.
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