Page last updated on October 2, 2024 at 2:42 pm
*NEW DATE IS OCTOBER 12TH DUE TO RAIN: Join us as a volunteer for the Community Paint Day!
The City of Bloomington is inviting members of the community to participate in the Duke Mural Community Paint Day on Oct. 12 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The event is at the Duke Energy Substation located at the northwest corner of W. 11th St and N Rogers St. Participants will help create the first mural in a series planned for the substation walls.
Up to 150 volunteers can register in advance for 75-minute shifts throughout the day to paint the mural. Volunteers are required to sign a waiver ahead of time, as walk-up participation is not permitted on the day of the event. No prior painting experience is necessary, as local artists will guide participants during the process.
Duke Energy, a sponsor of the project, will provide free t-shirts to volunteers. A reception to celebrate the contributions of both artists and the volunteers will be announced at a later date.
More about the project:
The City of Bloomington, in partnership with Duke Energy, has announced a new public art project to place murals on the Duke Substation walls located at the northwest corner of W 11th St and N Rogers St. Due to the size of the structure, this mural project will be carried out in multiple installations. This mural will be the first of five to be installed. For each of the five installations, a group of artists will be selected to develop a mural design that reflects the general theme of the project. Duke Energy has given a grant of $25,000 to support this project. This first installation will be placed on the south facing side of the structure and will be approximately 64 feet x 16 feet.
The theme for the mural is derived from a community-based survey and consists of two major points:
- To highlight the natural surroundings of the Maple Heights neighborhood, and detailing nature and sustainability.
- To emphasize the diversity of personhood and create a sense of belonging within the Bloomington community.
Artist statement:
This mural design captures the Maple Heights neighborhood and our community by showcasing native plants, insects, and iconic cats, symbolizing our connection to local nature. At its heart, a porch party scene cascades into the broader neighborhood, representing our sense of togetherness and celebration. This artwork serves as a reminder of our shared community and history.
The design is the amalgamation of the work and talent of three local artists who collaborated using their artistic styles to create a cohesive design that's also reflective of togetherness in a community.
Please email Chaz Mottinger, Special Projects Manager, with questions at chaz.mottinger@bloomington.in.gov.
