Duke Energy to Present Check to City for Installation of Public Mural at Substation

As part of their partnership to place murals on the Duke Energy Substation walls located at the northwest corner of W 11th St and N Rogers St, the City of Bloomington and Duke Energy Foundation are pleased to announce the first substation mural design and check presentation ceremony, scheduled for Thursday, November 30 at 11 a.m.

The mural concept was designed by four local artists, Eric Agyemang-Dua Jr., Eva Allen, Su A Chae, Caitlyn Clark, who were selected by a group of local stakeholders including artists, arts administrators, Maple Heights and Crestmont residents, and members of the Bloomington Arts Commission. The four selected artists worked with the stakeholder group to come up with the preliminary design of the mural based on themes of indigenous nature and wildlife, sustainability, diversity of personhood, and a sense of belonging in Bloomington. The themes were derived from community-based workshops and online surveys.

The City of Bloomington began collaborating with Duke Energy on this project in early 2023, and Duke Energy Foundation has contributed $25,000 toward the project to be spent on artist honoraria, mural materials and supplies, and ongoing maintenance costs. A check presentation for the funds will take place at 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 30 at the substation site.

“I’m thrilled to see this design by four local artists that reflects the spirit and the vision of the local community,” said Mayor John Hamilton. “The mural will be a meaningful and dynamic addition to the neighborhood and to all who pass by.”

“Duke Energy is pleased to provide a platform to bring these artists' visions to life, while adding to the beautification of the city of Bloomington,” said Liz Irwin, Government and Community Relations Manager at Duke Energy. “We hope these creative murals will be enjoyed by the community and visitors for years to come.”

The final mural design will be painted in Spring 2024, including a “community painting day” when all Bloomington residents will be invited to help paint the mural.