Local artist set to transform east-side entry into Fort Wayne

By Brett Thomas | WAYNE.com 

Fort Wayne, Ind.(WANE-TV) Local artist and NE Indiana native son, Jerrod Tobias, is preparing to begin work on the biggest mural of his career and the biggest mural in the City of Fort Wayne. Once complete it will be 300 feet long and will transform the weathered cement surface of raised rail line at Clay and Main into something memorable. It is part of  the city’s 10 year Front Door Fort Wayne plan and will help beautify an east-side entrance to the city that empties into the downtown arts district.

Part of the project will include Tobias’ mural, the rest will transform the railway bridge that spans the roadway, adding metal dancers and lighting that will give them the illusion of movement. Overall, the project will cost about $200,000. That includes cleaning, painting, brush removal and electrical work. A quarter of the budget will come from Tax Increment Financing Funds, the remainder will come from previously approved legacy funding.

Jerrod Tobias has put his mark on the city of Fort Wayne before. He recently completed a 100 foot long mural on North Anthony and another mural in the 3400 block of Wunderkammer. After graduating from the Cleveland Institute of Art, Tobias moved back home to start his art career and make a difference in the city he calls home.

The city hopes to begin work on the improvements by the end of the 2016. A completion date depends on weather conditions.