Keep Indianapolis Beautiful: The I-70 Corridor Public Art Project; and The Community Hospital North Project

Abstract

In September 2008, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful contacted the Basile Center to explore the possibility of commissioning student artists for public sculpture projects along the I70 corridor from the Indianapolis International Airport to downtown Indianapolis. First year MFA Sculpture student Kathryn Armstrong received the first commission in March 2009. Kathryn worked throughout the summer months and into fall semester to fabricate her design, which consists of 34 pod-like forms of varying sizes and colors. Titled going home, the project was installed in January 2010 at the Holt Road interchange.

In an effort to incorporate art into the healing process for their patients and families, Community Hospital North has created an ongoing rotating sculpture program with Herron and The Basile Center to add sculptures to three niches along the hospital's main entrance drive. Sculpture students experienced a site-visit to inspire them to create their concepts for a site-specific sculpture in which they must consider scale, interactivity, durability, and aesthetic appeal. The students presented their proposals to Community Hospital North, who in 2009 commissioned Jodie Hardy to create her piece Close-up to be added to their outdoor sculpture collection for three years. Through this partnership, a new sculpture will be added annually.