New fence mural at Lew Wallace Community Garden

September 25, 2024 at 1:35 p.m.
The new fence mural at the Lew Wallace Community Garden is expected to be completed this week.
The new fence mural at the Lew Wallace Community Garden is expected to be completed this week. (Photo Cassie Garrett)


A new fence mural at the Lew Wallace Community Garden, next to the government building in Brookville, is nearly finished. The only remaining task is to add the word “garden,” which is expected to be completed this week. The mural was created using permanent weatherproof click-in cups that resemble solo cups.

The project is one of five projects to be completed over the next year, thanks to a $10,000 grant from the Indiana Arts Commission.

“Patti Wilhelm, Bridget Hayes, and I were invited by the Indiana Arts Commission to come to a two-day workshop called Creative Convergence put on by Indiana Communities Institute,” FCCF Executive Director Shelly Lunsford said. “It was like an artsy workshop on how to convert your communities with art, and for attending, we received the $10,000 grant.”

After participating in the workshop, the group returned home, did a call out to local artists, and explored the town for inspiration. They identified five project ideas, including the creation of the mural on the community garden fence.

The next project to be completed will involve beautifying the former Franklin County Public Transportation bus stop.

“We want to paint the metal parts, and then we have somebody putting together a design that will look like stained glass to be painted on the inside,” Lunsford explained. “We thought if we painted it and fixed up the bench, it would be a great place to sit or a neat photo op.” 

Some potential projects on the horizon involve enhancing the alley between the foundation and newspaper building by incorporating furniture, lighting, and potentially a mural to create more seating within the DORA District. Additionally, tentative plans are to paint a mosaic mural on the steps adjacent to the Schilling Center, which leads into the park and youth football league area. Another project involves collaborating with schools in Franklin County to add an artistic element along the sidewalk from Riverfront Apartments to the school on the fence.

A new fence mural at the Lew Wallace Community Garden, next to the government building in Brookville, is nearly finished. The only remaining task is to add the word “garden,” which is expected to be completed this week. The mural was created using permanent weatherproof click-in cups that resemble solo cups.

The project is one of five projects to be completed over the next year, thanks to a $10,000 grant from the Indiana Arts Commission.

“Patti Wilhelm, Bridget Hayes, and I were invited by the Indiana Arts Commission to come to a two-day workshop called Creative Convergence put on by Indiana Communities Institute,” FCCF Executive Director Shelly Lunsford said. “It was like an artsy workshop on how to convert your communities with art, and for attending, we received the $10,000 grant.”

After participating in the workshop, the group returned home, did a call out to local artists, and explored the town for inspiration. They identified five project ideas, including the creation of the mural on the community garden fence.

The next project to be completed will involve beautifying the former Franklin County Public Transportation bus stop.

“We want to paint the metal parts, and then we have somebody putting together a design that will look like stained glass to be painted on the inside,” Lunsford explained. “We thought if we painted it and fixed up the bench, it would be a great place to sit or a neat photo op.” 

Some potential projects on the horizon involve enhancing the alley between the foundation and newspaper building by incorporating furniture, lighting, and potentially a mural to create more seating within the DORA District. Additionally, tentative plans are to paint a mosaic mural on the steps adjacent to the Schilling Center, which leads into the park and youth football league area. Another project involves collaborating with schools in Franklin County to add an artistic element along the sidewalk from Riverfront Apartments to the school on the fence.

Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092

e-Edition


e-edition

Sign up


for our email newsletters

Weekly Top Stories

Sign up to get our top stories delivered to your inbox every Sunday

Daily Updates & Breaking News Alerts

Sign up to get our daily updates and breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox daily

Latest Stories


Stephen Harlan
Stephen Wayne Harlan, 69 of Liberty passed away on Thursday, November 14, 2024.

Geraldine Campbell
Geraldine “Geri” Campbell, 91, of Connersville, passed away on November 16, 2024 at Arbor Trace Assisted Living in Richmond.

John “Sonny” Fields
John C. “Sonny” Fields, born on March 12, 1934, in Connersville, peacefully passed away on November 13, 2024, at the age of 90.

David Rockafellow
David Frank Rockafellow, age 74, of Brookville, passed away on Saturday, November 16, 2024, surrounded by family.

John Roberts Jr.
John Roberts Jr., age 63, of Metamora passed peacefully early Sunday morning, November 17, 2024 at the his residence in Metamora following a brief illness.