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Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry has passed away after a brief battle with cancer.

Artwork Planned For Alleyways

Photo provided

 

Through the collaborative efforts of area advocates, property owners and businesses, city alleyways will become canvasses over this spring and summer.

 

The Fort Wayne Downtown Improvement District announced the “Art This Way, Alley Activation Project.” The first round will put large-scale outdoor murals on walls along Fort Wayne’s alleys.

Credit Photo provided
Concept of the Ambassador Enterprises mural proposed for 927 Harrison Street. It will be painted by Bryan Ballinger.

The three artists selected will be painting buildings at 128 W. Wayne St., 112 W. Wayne St., and 927 Harrison St.

“Downtown Fort Wayne’s public real experience is essential to sustaining its momentum and growth as a destination of choice,” said Bill Brown, president of the Downtown Improvement District in a press release issued Wednesday.

Credit Photo provided
Concept of the mural planned for a wall at 112 W. Wayne Street. It will be painted by artist Matthew Plett.

Partners in the project include Art This Way, the Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce Foundation, and Lincoln Financial group, according to the release.

 

“The willingness for all these different interests to work together has made all the difference and is truly our X-factor in fulfilling our mission of advancing downtown Fort Wayne as the vibrant urban core of northeast Indiana,” Brown said.

 

 

For more information about the artists:

Tim Parsley

"What excites me most about this project is the unique opportunity for our art students at the University of Saint Francis to participate in the real-world application of their creative skills. As both an artist and an art educator, I am proud to be a part of the Art This Way Alley Activation Project."

 

Matthew Plett

"I'm honored and excited that my design was selected for the Midtowne Crossing Mural. There is a large amount of personal significance in this piece and I truly hope it will bring a community and individual significance to others when they encounter it."

 

Bryan Ballinger

"I love the art scene in Fort Wayne and the opportunity to contribute to it in this way is really exciting."

Rebecca manages the news at WBOI. She joined the staff in December 2017, and brought with her nearly two decades of experience in print journalism, including 15 years as an award-winning reporter for the Journal Gazette in Fort Wayne.