Mural Fest
Northeast Indiana is home to a legacy of makers, doers, creators and innovators, and we are celebrating Northeast Indiana’s eclectic story with Make It Your Own Mural Fest!
Make It Your Own Mural Fest is a unique, creative activation of the Make It Your Own brand intended to enhance Northeast Indiana and Fort Wayne’s efforts to drive talent attraction, talent retention and tourism.
Over 11 days, regional, national and international artists created 11 high-quality murals—one in each of the 11 counties of Northeast Indiana. The murals were all unveiled on the same day, with celebrations and events taking place all over the region throughout the duration of the festival to recognize the artists and the communities.
NEI, in collaboration with Arts United of Greater Fort Wayne Inc., launched Make It Your Own Mural Fest in Northeast Indiana and Fort Wayne in early 2020 and hosted the 11-day festival in September 2020. The regional mural festival concept, the first of its kind in the State of Indiana, builds on the quality of place efforts accelerated by the Regional Cities Initiative, growing regional pride and garnering significant attention and exposure nationally.
It’s our community of makers, creatives and artists that make this place so special, and you’ve got a front-row seat.
To relive Mural Fest 2020, visit our YouTube playlist.
Q&A with Mural Fest Artist Zach Medler
Adams County | Geneva, IN
- Artist | Zach Medler
- Hometown | Noblesville, IN
- Mural Location | 411 E. Line St., Geneva, IN 46740
1. Why is public art important to a community’s quality of life?
Public art is powerful in that it creates a public aesthetic. It is best when it tells local stories with local hands. It defines what is significant. It subtly rallies public pride of place. It becomes local tourism info covers and IN travel magazine photos. It becomes part of what a place is. Especially, for small towns where everybody knows everybody. That is why it important to support local voices in mural projects, so the aesthetic truly reflects the place and the people.
2. Why did you apply to install a mural in Northeast Indiana?
I live in Indiana, was born in Geneva, lived in Berne as a toddler, before moving to the Indy suburbs. After graduate school, trying to eke out a career in the arts, I worked at the edelweiss flower shop in Berne, while teaching with Artsplace in Portland. Every summer, I visited Geneva with the Arts in the Park program, and have possibly delivered furniture to you or installed carpet at your homes through Medler’s Furniture intermittently over the last 30 years. I am proud to be able to share my work with your community. And I’m am even more proud that the work I share is influenced by my own life experiences in and around Geneva.
3. What is it about installing/painting murals that you enjoy so much?
Every wall is different, and every wall has different challenges. But for me, it is about being in the moment just slugging away at it, arms dead, fingers cramped, back screaming, and ready for another 10 hour day tomorrow. I’ve been an endurance athlete my whole life and doing big walls is the same kinda energy.
4. What is it like installing a mural?
It is like a really long run, at a pace just past comfortable.
About Zach Medler
Zach Medler, is a muralist and printmaker from West Lafayette, Ind. He has painted more than 20 large scale murals and produced two street art festivals working with arts and community organizations, social practice artists and cities. His style plays heavily off of contemporary Americana themes using patterns and landscape elements to create both abstract and representational works. Learn more about Zach by visiting his website at www.zmedstudios.com.
Q&A with Mural Fest Artist Key Detail
Allen County | Fort Wayne, IN
- Artist | Key Detail
- Hometown | Minsk, Belarus
- Mural Location | 201 W. Wayne St., Fort Wayne, IN 46802
1. Why is public art important to a community’s quality of life?
It is very exciting for us to consider ourselves to be a part of this project because we believe that our art will be inspiring for many people. It is also very important that the city gets beautiful art that inspires locals and attracts tourists. It helps the community to become stronger and close-knit. It teaches the young generation that art creation is a magical and interesting process. Our aim is to create an environment in which any individual can feel welcomed and valued. Our objective is to inspire those who see our work to look more carefully at the world around them, to discover beauty.
2. Why did you apply to install a mural in Northeast Indiana?
Indiana is the place where we always feel welcomed. It is the state where we have done several important projects for us. We love that the projects we do allow us to meet people, travel to places, learn about subjects that we didn’t know, find interesting facts from the history of cities we paint at, see the beauty of our world. We explored the central part and south of the state but have never been in Northeast Indiana. We didn’t want to lose the opportunity to visit Northeast Indiana and paint beautiful for the city.
3. What is it about installing/painting murals that you enjoy so much?
With every new project, we are always fascinated by the scale of the “canvas” we have. The walls allow us to think big. From the beginning, the process of transforming a blank wall into artwork is something magical for us. It is a kind of meditation. The most exciting part of the process when you see the finished artwork and when you get positive feedback from locals.
4. What is it like installing a mural?
It is exciting every time! All phases of the process are impressive – when the sketch from the paper is appearing on the wall when colors are popping out little by little when the composition is getting visible. We have a precise scheme of every phase of the installation. We feel very confident when we get to work.
5. What else would you like Northeast Indiana residents to know about you and your artwork?
We want them to have a good experience with us. We are very passionate about every project and we hope that they can feel it and get inspiration from us. For every project, it is very important to be engaged with the local community because they are going to see our mural every day and our design is going to be part of their lives.
About Key Detail
Internationally-renowned KEY DETAIL, of New York City, is a husband-wife team. Andrei Krautsou and Julia Yu-Baba are mural artists who also work with paintings and illustrations. A native of Belarus, KEY DETAIL has been active on the art scene since the early 2000s. KEY DETAIL has been creating mural art for more than ten years and has installed murals all over Europe, Asia and U.S. Click here to read more about Key Detail.
Q&A with Mural Fest Artist Ricco Diamante
DeKalb County | Garrett, IN
- Artist | Ricco Diamante
- Hometown | Defiance, OH
- Mural Location | City Hall, 130 S. Randolph St., Garrett, IN 46738
1. Why is public art important to a community’s quality of life?
Public art is important for people to experience, even for just a few seconds, to move them from their everyday routines into the realm of possibilities. Public art becomes an interactive gathering place that slows people down to look up and become engaged in a shared visual language. Art inspires thought and conversations about why the art was created. Public art is accessible to everyone and builds a sense of community around a painting that can represent both beauty and history.
2. Why did you apply to install a mural in Northeast Indiana?
I applied to paint a mural in Northeast Indiana to ignite the imagination of everybody who views my art. I want the mural to be both commemorative and beautiful. I hope the painting inspires conversations about how public art is essential for community health and growth. I saw this opportunity to paint as an experience that would be rewarding for both my artistic achievements and for the community to watch the production of a thought-provoking mural. I hope this mural prompts positive discourse and more murals for the city.
3. What is it about installing/painting murals that you enjoy so much?
Freedom. Painting a public mural is interactive between the community and the artist. It is a unique experience to be a performance artist and paint large with a changing audience that encourages and critiques the progress. Mural painting becomes a marathon with the community cheering me on to finish strong.
4. What is it like installing a mural?
Installing a mural is a major artistic production. The painting needs to both complement and enhance the building as well as come alive and command attention. The mural installation requires strategy and discipline to meet huge goals every day to achieve the deadline. It is definitely challenging to paint an image that will move countless people for many years, but the art has to be successful in both decorative and historic meaning.
5. What else would you like Northeast Indiana residents to know about you and your artwork?
I want Northeast Indiana residents to know that I love to impact people in a positive way through my art. I want my art to make an impression that stays with them for a long time. I do my best to create images that bridge experiences and culture with the symbolism in the art to create something far beyond personal expectations. I love making art for maximum exposure.
About Ricco Diamante
Ricardo Diamante Guerrero, raised in Defiance, OH and Fort Wayne, Indiana. Ricardo is known as Ricco Diamante a graduate of the University of Saint Francis and CEO of Diamante Studios Tattoo and Fine Art. He primarily creates art on skin, canvas, and paper. Ricco specializes in life-like detail in his art and tattoos. Being a great husband and father to two sons is a huge part of his life. Ricco is now excited to create mural art for entire communities. Click here to learn more about Ricco.
Q&A with Mural Fest Artist America Carrillo
Huntington County | Huntington, IN
- Artist | America Carrillo
- Hometown | Huntington, IN
- Mural Location | 35 W. Market St., Huntington, IN 46750
1. Why is public art important to a community’s quality of life?
Public art is important for a community because it offers the experience of an art museum to those who didn’t know they needed it. Not everyone likes to travel or has the opportunity to travel and see art in bigger cities, so by bringing large-scale art to smaller communities, that inspiration is offered to those who may need it the most. Public art also raises the vibration of the community. Color has a profound impact on the brain. It has the potential to turn someone’s entire day around. The bigger the better.
2. Why did you apply to install a mural in Northeast Indiana?
I applied to install a mural in Northeast Indiana because it is my home. I like to travel and paint all over the country, but my family and my closest friends are here and it’s the place I feel the most inspired.
3. What is it about installing/painting murals that you enjoy so much?
Oh my, where do I begin? I really feel like I have found my purpose through mural art. I enjoy painting outside because it makes other people happy. I love reminding others to think outside the box. Each mural is an extension of me, and being able to extend my love to strangers when I’m not around makes me happy.
4. What is it like installing a mural?
Painting a mural is like biting into a muffin thinking it’s blueberry then realizing it’s actually self-doubt flavored. It’s a really vulnerable process.
5. What else would you like Northeast Indiana residents to know about you and your artwork?
My artwork saved my life. I was in a really tough spot a few years ago where I wasn’t showing myself the love I deserved. One day I just tapped into this alternate creative side and everything changed. My art is me showing up for myself and having faith in what I’m capable of. It’s letting the negative go and allowing inspiration to take over.
About America Carrillo
Those with a creative mind have described the artistic thinking process as trance-like. America has entranced herself with visuals since early childhood. She is most inspired by change, believing that labels are limitations that keep us from growing beyond the expectations they imply. She is most influenced by contemporary surrealism and is physically energized by the viewer’s emotional response to her work. Color captures the eye but composition keeps it captivated. Public art is her passion and she donates murals often to those in need of inspiration. Read more about America Carrillo here.
Q&A with Mural Fest Artist Tim Parsley
Kosciusko County | Warsaw, IN
- Artist | Tim Parsley
- Hometown | Fort Wayne, IN
- Mural Location | 212 S. Buffalo St., Warsaw, IN 46580
1. Why is public art important to a community’s quality of life?
Public art is a tangible reminder to us to stop and see things differently. It can help break us from our usual routines and think differently about our world by inspiring us, challenging us, and engaging our creative curiosity.
2. Why did you apply to install a mural in Northeast Indiana?
I was honored to have been invited to paint this mural. I’m incredibly excited to be part of such a great event in this region.
3. What is it about installing/painting murals that you enjoy so much?
As an artist, so much of the work I do is cloistered away in the privacy of a studio and can sometimes become very detached from the world around me. Painting murals transform what I do as a studio artist out into my community, allowing me to listen to others and engage with what makes a certain place special. I’ve met so many great people and been a part of some wonderful community conversations because of the public murals I have painted.
4. What is it like installing a mural?
They say that the way you eat an elephant is one bite at a time… I don’t know anybody that actually eats elephants but I know that this is a good description of painting a mural. It’s a process. At times it feels like it’s more accurate to say that you “build” a mural as much as you paint one. You have to constantly keep the end in mind in order to continue through all of the challenges that can come up in that process. You have to weather not only the actual weather but also all of the stages where it may not look that great yet, knowing that it’s going to come together in the end and be worth the effort.
5. What else would you like Northeast Indiana residents to know about you and your artwork?
I’d like them to know that the murals I paint are an extension of what I do in my personal portfolio as an artist and as an art professor at the University of Saint Francis. I try to guide my students in the practical and sustainable application of their artistic skills in order to support themselves, but also show them how their art can be good for the world they live in.
About Tim Parsley
Tim Parsley is a professor of studio art at the University of Saint Francis (Fort Wayne, IN) teaching courses in mural painting and public art, training students to successfully create public art projects in their communities. As a public artist and educator, he has created numerous large-scale murals, nationally and internationally. Most recently, he painted the nearly 6000 square foot mural of an American bison in downtown Fort Wayne entitled, “This Land Was Made for You and Me.” Currently, Tim serves as a member of the City of Fort Wayne’s Public Art Commission. Read more about Tim Parsley on his website.
Q&A with Mural Fest Artist Amy Buchs
LaGrange County | LaGrange, IN
- Artist | Amy Buchs
- Hometown | Waterloo, IN
- Mural Location | 202 N. Detroit St., LaGrange, IN 46761
1. Why is public art important to a community’s quality of life?
Taking art to the public allows everyone to participate. Museum-goers deliberately delight in art conversations. People on the street surprise themselves with their responses to public art which makes everyone a participator. Making stimulating environments, promoting conversation, and a sense of belonging, making a destination of beauty and entertainment and community pride is some of the main goals for my murals because all of these are key ingredients for quality of life.
2. Why did you apply to install a mural in Northeast Indiana?
I applied because I love to paint large and paint in public, and who wouldn’t want to participate in a festival? This Make It Your Own Mural Fest project is much larger than me so it will be thrilling to be a part of it!
3. What is it about installing/painting murals that you enjoy so much?
I really enjoy it when passers-by stop and say a few words or ask a few questions; when that happens my sense of purpose is fulfilled. I am a retired teacher and I am incredibly lucky to be able to apply the skills that I taught for years to create significant public art.
4. What is it like installing a mural?
Big is powerful! Every design is labored over on paper until it is good. When that same design is bigger than life, it looks amazing!
About Amy Buchs
Amy Buchs is a retired art teacher who has always specialized in painting. One of her main goals is to be involved in the community. Her art classes painted 6 murals throughout DeKalb county, entered several group Art On the Square projects for Downtown Auburn and did projects for the DeKalb County parks, Shelter Ministries, paintings for Waterloo’s soup kitchen as well as partnerships and involvement in local art shows. Since retirement almost 3 years ago, Amy has painted 6 wall murals for 3 DeKalb County Schools, painted a community mural in a new soup kitchen and 2 outdoor murals in downtown Auburn. Read more about Amy’s work in a KPC News story.
Q&A with Mural Fest Artist Tobias Studios
Noble County | Albion, IN
- Artist | Tobias Studios
- Hometown | Fort Wayne, IN
- Mural Location | 122 N. Orange St., Albion, IN 46701
1. Why is public art important to a community’s quality of life?
Public art helps give voice to the culture and community. It provides an opportunity to share perspectives. It expresses the character of the people.
2. Why did you apply to install a mural in Northeast Indiana?
There is something vastly rewarding about making public work in the community you live in. It exhibits a vested interest in defining a sense of place.
3. What is it about installing/painting murals that you enjoy so much?
The entire process of mural painting is exhilarating. My favorite part is going out at night and working in the early morning quiet. There’s a quiet space in the night.
4. What is it like installing a mural?
Installing a mural is a great challenge and exposes you and your process. The vulnerability means you have to stand by your work and be ready for criticism. It is oftentimes an uplifting experience that draws many supporters.
5. What else would you like Northeast Indiana residents to know about you and your artwork?
I would like Indiana residents to know that I believe I was born to be a mural painter, and it gives me a greater sense of purpose than any job I’ve ever had, besides parenting.
About Tobias Studios
Prolific regional artist, Jerrod Tobias, and his wife, Kara, started Tobias Studios in 2015 in Fort Wayne as a working art studio on their one-acre homestead. Tobias Studios is responsible for numerous murals across Fort Wayne, including the mural on East Columbia Street near Three Rivers Apartments, the one depicting Native American folklore on the side of the Brass Rail along Sturgis Street, and rainbow trout at Hop River Brewing Co., just to name a few. In the past 5 years, the artists have hosted art camps, workshops, curated exhibitions and produced some of the largest murals in Northeast Indiana. Click here to learn more about Tobias Studios.
Q&A with Mural Fest Artist Justin Suarez
Steuben County | Angola, IN
- Artist | Justin Suarez
- Hometown | Rochester, NY
- Mural Location | 900 N. Wayne St., Angola, IN 46703
1. Why is public art important to a community’s quality of life?
Murals change the urban landscape and bring life and color to otherwise dull surfaces, creating beacons and landmarks throughout an area, encouraging people to get out and explore the place they live in new ways.
2. Why did you apply to install a mural in Northeast Indiana?
I love traveling and painting murals in new cities and experiencing the places and communities.
3. What is it about installing/painting murals that you enjoy so much?
I love the intimate and unique experience it provides, including interacting with communities and leaving my mark behind, of course!
4. What is it like installing a mural?
I’ve painted so many murals, it’s just like another day on the job at this point!
5. What else would you like Northeast Indiana residents to know about you and your artwork?
My love for painting animals is closely related to the work that I do with birds of prey. You can learn more about that at wildwingsinc.com.
About Justin Suarez
Born on a family farm in upstate New York, Justin Suarez is an artist who brings together the rural and the urban. Celebrating wildlife, he paints flora and fauna flawlessly over concrete and brick. The animals he paints come to life as the viewer is drawn into the world of the painting. With over 18 years of experience, he has painted murals across the US, and his work has been exhibited around the world. Justin Suarez brings the intensity of a raptor to his artistic endeavors, as well as his work as a valued handler of birds of prey at Wild Wings Animal Sanctuary outside Rochester, NY, he is able to capture the majesty of the natural world through his explosive graphics and remarkable technique. He also works well with humans, with a rich history of collaborating with other artists on a vast array of murals. He is responsible, punctual, a master of logistics and a born team player.
In the fall of 2015, Suarez co-founded Roc Paint Division, the City of Rochester’s Youth Mural Arts Program.” Roc Paint is just that and yet so much more. Under the leadership of local artists, Justin Suarez, Lisa Barker and Sarah Rutherford, Roc Paint Division’s mission was to beautify the city’s R-Centers through mural arts while providing employment and training opportunities to young developing artists. What developed through the initial 13-week pilot program in 2016 was nothing short of phenomenal. A team of seven youth-created murals at 6 of the City’s R-Centers. The murals were unified by their common theme of growth, chosen in part to acknowledge the major role that the R-Centers play in the lives of the young people who spend time there during their formative years. The project not only provided the seven youth with work experience, but it also resulted in breath-taking artistic depictions of youth, energy and hope that glow like beacons from the corners of the community that they shine from. Read more about Justin Suarez on his website.
Q&A with Mural Fest Artist Remix 1
Wabash County | North Manchester, IN
- Artist | Claudio “Remix 1” Rico
- Hometown | Mexico City
- Mural Location | 214 E. Main St., North Manchester, IN 46962
1. Why is public art important to a community’s quality of life?
Public art allows communities to not only take pride in their surroundings but also become strong, united entities when they actively participate in the creation process. Whether it’s helping the artists paint, suggesting ideas or even just watching the creation of a mural gives opportunities to learn, grow and become a part of something that will beautify their world! Public art also empowers the community and creates a sense of security and safety for everyone around becoming a strong psychological positive influence over the environment.
2. Why did you apply to install a mural in Northeast Indiana?
We are on a mission to beautify our world, spread knowledge and the healing power of color through murals and what better place to continue that mission than Northeast Indiana. We strive to create art that will make Northeast Hoosiers feel proud. We were also very excited to mentor and teach other young artists in the creation process as this is part of our mission to spread knowledge and beautify our world.
3. What is it about installing/painting murals that you enjoy so much?
There are so many reasons we love painting murals, first of all, together, we have the ability to create a sense of community. This gives us great joy and a sense of purpose and fulfillment as part of our mission. It is also a way to learn about one’s self, to express ideas and emotions and to grow into a better artist and human being. When painting the rest of the world falls away, thoughts and ideas flood in about life, beliefs … Am I on the right path? Are my thoughts and actions correct, how can I improve? How can I grow? Lots of questions come during these moments and sometimes even catharsis occurs, enlightened thoughts come and there is a great release of feelings. It’s cool and very liberating.
4. What is it like installing a mural?
It is a challenging, fun and liberating process, sometimes there will be difficulties, moments when I get frustrated and want to quit when the sun won’t stop burning my skin and being up high is quite scary, but once you allow yourself to take the leap of faith and go outside your “comfort zone” that’s when you learn new things and that’s when you grow as an artist and human being.
5. What else would you like Northeast Indiana residents to know about you and your artwork?
What we do has one ‘purpose’… to be enjoyed. But art also has the ability to make the residents feel proud and empowered. Empowered by the beauty and the transformation of a grey wall into something that can bring joy. Empowered to go beyond what we have ever imagined, to know that it is possible to change your surroundings, your life your world. There are no limits, ever. You can do it if you can imagine it!
About Claudio “Remix 1” Rico
I started painting on the streets when I was a teen doing classical graffiti pieces and murals. Eventually, I was looking to improve my art and being able to reach a bigger audience. I decided to start studying formally at the university and traveling to other countries to paint. I’ve always been guided by an authentic need of inspiring people to become their best versions. I thought about ways of making people feel not only amazed by the mural but also proud of the community. I thought, “Maybe being the tinder creating a fire in their souls.” Read more about Remix 1 on his website here.
Q&A with Mural Fest Artist David Rice
Wells County | Bluffton, IN
- Artist | David Rice
- Hometown | Portland, OR
- Mural Location | 122 W. Market St., Bluffton, IN 46714
1. Why is public art important to a community’s quality of life?
Public art is important because of its accessibility to the community. Most often art is viewed in museums and galleries that may not always be accessible to everyone, or it might not be in someone’s interest to visit a museum. Murals and other public art bring the work straight to the community for all to enjoy. It can add a new dimension to the landscape of a town, and engage its citizens on a daily basis.
2. Why did you apply to install a mural in Northeast Indiana?
I have done quite a few murals in larger cities, and only a handful in smaller cities. I found that working in a smaller city or town, I get a lot more engagement with the community. There seems to be more of an appreciation for the work that is being done and affects the people that live there more directly. I believe this project will have that same artist-to-community connection I have seen in some of my smaller city projects. It is extremely rewarding to see a community rally behind your work and show their appreciation for what you have brought to their town.
3. What is it about installing/painting murals that you enjoy so much?
It is fun to see your work on a scale that is much larger than you would be able to create in the studio. There are a lot of challenges when painting a mural, from the size to the surface texture and the weather to the timeline. It is an interesting feat to react to these variables and still produce quality work. It is not easy, but that is what makes the challenge so fun.
4. What is it like installing a mural?
Painting a mural is much more physically demanding than you might think. There is a lot of movement and strain required to cover a large surface. Additionally, there is usually a tight deadline to complete the mural. Quite often muralists are required to work long days to complete the project on time. It is exhausting but also satisfying to see what can be accomplished when you push yourself.
5. What else would you like Northeast Indiana residents to know about you and your artwork?
I would like the people of Northeast Indiana to know that this mural is for them. I am just there to add to the region’s landscape and help create an image that brings the community together. The goal of my artwork is to add to the already vibrant attractions and community in this area. There are too many things dividing us right now, it is important to have something that can bring us all together.
About David Rice
David was born in Aspen, Colorado where he lived until he graduated from high school. Living in Aspen helped David develop a passion for art and the surrounding environment, and spurred his love for the outdoors. After high school, David moved to Boulder, Colorado where he received his Bachelors Degree in Studio Art. His pursuance of art and design has led him from Colorado to San Francisco to Portland, Oregon where he now resides. In 2013, he met up with artist Blaine Fontana and began a rigorous internship for the next year. This experience gave him a huge insight into the professional art scene. Click here to learn more about David.
Q&A with Mural Fest Artist Shawn Dunwoody
Whitley County | Columbia City, IN
- Artist | Shawn Dunwoody
- Hometown | Rochester, NY
- Mural Location | 116 W. Van Buren St., Columbia City, IN 46725
1. Why is public art important to a community’s quality of life?
Public art is important to a community’s quality of life because it tends to build a sense of place and connectivity.
2. Why did you apply to install a mural in Northeast Indiana?
I applied to the Northeast Indiana mural call because of my experience mural painting in Fort Wayne with its wonderful people and excitement I wanted to come back.
3. What is it about installing/painting murals that you enjoy so much?
I enjoy mural making because it brings me closer to people and their stories.
4. What else would you like Northeast Indiana residents to know about you and your artwork?
I’ll see ya soon Northeast Indiana!
About Sean Dunwoody
“I consider myself a multi-disciplinary creative force for change. My experience as a Director, Producer, Designer, Maker, Influencer, Developer, and Artist give me the opportunity to establish a cutting edge, creative design in a variety of forms. My practice in creative implementation and innovative planning focuses on urban interventions and community forms of urban development. I believe in contextual knowledge, an original approach, and imagination as the basis for crafting new forms of appropriation of space, common producing, and creative development. In everything I do I bring a “stay creative” thinking to the table and aim to integrate the needs of the people, the possibilities of technology, and the genius of great experiences. I understand that creativity inspires and plays on our curiosity. This inspiration makes people want to hear more, learn more, and engage more,” said Dunwoody. To learn more about Shawn Dunwoody, visit his website.