(SOUTHSIDER VOICE PHOTOS BY AL STILLEY)
Editor
The Southside will look a little bit brighter thanks to a $10,000 grant to the Southdale Neighborhood Association for different artists to paint four traffic signal boxes at prime intersections.
The association’s project initiative was supported by the Indianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center and its grant. The project’s official name is the Southdale Traffic Signal Box Public Art Heritage Project.
Each traffic signal box will have different artwork emblematic of the Southside, according to Southdale Neighborhood Association co-coordinators Bruce Bye and Sandra Giliberto.
The traffic signal boxes are being painted by different artists at the following intersections: Bluff Road and Epler Avenue by Christina Hollering; Thompson Road and U.S. 31 by Travis Neal; Edgewood Avenue and U.S. 31 by Yan Yan; and Meridian Street and Epler Avenue by Blak Par.
The traffic signal box on the northeast corner of Bluff Road and Epler was the first to be completed. The permit for that location was issued by the City of Indianapolis, but the permits for the other boxes were issued later by the Indiana Department of Transportation.
Although several organizations were involved in the eventual approval process, Bye and Giliberto want to make sure that the public understands the true emphasis of the artwork.
“This initiative is a thoughtful and intentional endeavor aimed at celebrating the rich heritage and diverse tapestry of the Southdale neighborhood,” Bye and Giliberto said in a joint statement. “The selected artwork designs, inspired by the history and culture of Southdale, have been meticulously crafted to reflect the community’s identity and spirit.”
The association formed an artist’s committee to find the artists for the traffic signal boxes.
Bye further explained, “This project started more than a year ago getting input from our community on ‘What should this public art be to represent the Southside of Indianapolis?’
We have chosen to represent the heritage of the southside as a vegetable and flower growing area for Indianapolis and represent the heritage of the refugee Burmese families that have chosen to live on the Southside of Indianapolis.”
The rich history of immigrant German growers on westside of the historic Southdale neighborhood. The German growers provided acres and acres of vegetables and fruits that helped feed a growing city and also grew and sold trees and shrubs that beautified many neighborhoods throughout the city and the Southside.
Two signal boxes focus on the heritage and culture of the Burmese community in Perry Township for several years, adding to the diverse fabric of Southdale.
“By integrating art into public spaces within Southdale, this project aims to enhance the quality of life, foster unity, and promote learning about art and society,” Bye and Giliberto stated jointly. “Through the murals, residents and visitors will not only experience the beauty of art but also gain a deeper appreciation for the history and diversity of Southdale.”
They emphasized, “The transformation of these signal boxes into vibrant pieces of art embodies the heart and soul of the Southdale neighborhood. This is a celebration of the stories, histories, and cultures that make Southdale a truly special place to call home.”
The Southdale Neighborhood Association boundaries are between I-465, South Edgewood Ave., Madison Ave., and West Harding Street.
The association holds monthly meetings on the first Thursday at 7 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church, 4702 South East St., adjacent to Bethany Community Gardens. CrimeWatch meetings are held three times each year with representatives of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.
Info: SouthdaleNeighborhood [email protected].
“By integrating art into public spaces within Southdale, this project aims to enhance the quality of life, foster unity, and promote learning about art and society. Through the murals, residents and visitors will not only experience the beauty of art but also gain a deeper appreciation for the history and diversity of Southdale. The inclusive approach taken ensures that the murals reflect the diverse perspectives and values of the community, fostering a sense of ownership and pride among residents.” – Southdale Neighborhood Association
MEET THE ARTISTS
Meet the artists behind the Southdale Heritage Signal Box Project, explore the artwork and celebrate the Southside’s heritage on Thursdays, Aug. 1 and Sept. 5, at 7 p.m. at Bethany Community Gardens, 4702 S. East St. Artists’ Yan Yan and Travis Neal with special guest Pastor Hre Mang on Aug. 1 and Christina Hollering and special guest Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp on Sept. 5. The special events honor and celebrate the rich heritage of the Southside.