Aug 18, 2018

Murals of North Webster and Ligonier


My cousin, aunt, and I went to North Webster to ride the Dixie Sternwheel Paddle Boat. It had been raining and was overcast when we went. On the way home I spotted the Mural below on Main Street and East Washington.  I had to go back and see it in better light.  And I am so glad that I did.  I think that this mural is awesome and would love to see more with this kind of creativity. The artist is @creativ_ty #art of harmony. 


The next mural is also in North Webster on Main Street as well. 


I couldn't find any more murals to photograph, so, I headed to Ligonier.  They call it The City of Murals. 


All of the murals are located in the downtown area and are viewed best on foot. Don't forget to walk to the back of buildings because I found some very impressive ones out of plain sight. 


What I noticed is that there is a history theme. I did some research and discovered that there are at least three dozen murals throughout the city. The one below is in a doorway entitled Amish Trail. 


The artists are Beth A. Ivanov and Robert A.Hudson who contributed their talent for the majority of the murals.  


I admire those who have the ability to make the city where one lives more beautiful with art.  A plain building can become a reminder of the history that made the town become what it is today. 


The Ligonier Ladies, Ruth Elijah and Betty Peterson traveled all over the country researching murals so that they could revitalize their small town. 


Each mural was carefully planned. They looked at photographs, visited libraries, and historical societies to gather information. 


 The mural below is part of a series on the same building. You will need to visit to see the rest. 


I really like the colors and depth that the artist uses in their depictions of various places. 


This one is called Saturday night in Ligonier.  Looks like a scene from the 1950's. 


The mural below is of the Ligonier School 1876-1911


The mural below is called "The Wars 1775-1974" painted by Robert A. Hudson is very impressive with the caption ...and our flag was still there at the bottom.  The flag is facing the alley and this one is my favorite. 


The fire station has a mural on the side of the building. 


Across from the Wars mural are these two murals painted by Beth A.Ivanov.  


The mural below is a series of four and you will need to visit to see the rest. 


This mural is also a series. 


Not all art is located in a museum, nor is the mural considered graffiti, but is art nonetheless. Wandering streets and alleys is the way to visit a "New Museum of Art." Give it a try and you benefit in two ways, exercise and visually. 


Aug 5, 2018

Murals of Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne has caught on to the mural trend that has been spreading across the country.  Did you know that Philadelphia has at least 3600 murals?  Richmond, Virginia has over 100.  Fort Wayne is the home to about 264,000 residents with a growing artist community that are making their presence known. 



Yesterday a photography friend and I decided to go on a photo shoot downtown. It was one of my goals to photograph the murals that are scattered throughout the city. This is located at 128 W. Wayne Street and the artist is Tim Parsley. 



As I backed into a small alcove to get the above picture I saw this bit of artwork that I am sure not many people see because of its location. 



This mural is located on Harrison Street in the alley.  I caught a glimpse of it as I was driving past and was anxious to get a better look. The artist is Bryan Ballinger or Breadwig. 



This is Midtowne Crossings Association Mural located at 112 W. Wayne Street by Matthew Plett, who is, also, my neighbor. 


The Wunderkammer Company at 3402 Fairfield Avenue has another one of Matthew Plett's work. This facility is in a constant state of evolution.  



The mural below is located at the back of Wunderkammer.  




Hyde Bookstore at 1428 Wells Street commissioned Julia Meek to paint a depiction of Fort Wayne.  Julia is a local artist and radio host on NPR and she works at Hyde Bookstore on the weekends. A very talented lady. 




Morings flowers located 2135 Wells Street has two murals by artist Andre Talamantes. 





Nosego or Yis Goodwin is the artist for this mythical like creatures located at 816 S. Calhoun on the Pint n Slice building. 




Jerrod Tobias is the artist of the Native American and Wild Boar at The Brass Rail located at 1121 Broadway. 


Tobias also was the artist for the Mural across from the Three Rivers Apartments (below) and



the cardinals on the wall at Studio Seva at 3155 N. Anthony Blvd. 


Mad Anthony Brewing Company at the corner of Broadway and Taylor has this lovely new mural located at the back of their building.  Makes you wish that you were taking a relaxing ride in a boat doesn't it? The artist is Shea Rutherford. 


A couple doors down from Mad Anthony's is 20 Past 4. Their mural is fantastical in nature and I love it. Beam me up Scotty! 


My last mural is also at the Corner of Broadway and Taylor. The artist is Laura Hancock and the entire fence is filled with her artwork.



I felt like a tourist as I wandered my city looking for the bizarre, imaginative, and lovely creations that we call art. We should have tours here and call it Art Around Fort Wayne.