Kokomo’s Art Alleyways
Hey Kokomo! “Your voice can change the world.” A powerful quote from former President Barack Obama, along with numerous inspiring works of art from artist, Muck Rock. The art can be seen heading west on Sycamore, in between Wings Etc. and Kokomo Toys & Collectibles. Influential people include Bruce Lee, Mr. Rogers, Freddie Mercury, Rosa Parks, and others are featured in the downtown’s public art display.
Artwork by Duane Johnson and Vernon Graves shows an example of an 1894 version of the Elwood Haynes automobile. A piece centered to be both educational and novelty, this art piece gives viewers a glimpse of what cars first looked like, and how far the automobile industry has come since!
Here in “Nature’s Fingerprint,” artist Lori Brubaker takes a piece of wood and paints over it with different colors, to show how much our environment can affect nature. This is one of the many pieces located in Artist Alley.
The wooden pallet artwork covers the entire alleyway, in between Healthy Kokomo and the Coterie. Benches, chairs, and even pots for flowers are made out of reconstructed wooden pallets. Partnering with multiple companies, the FCA US worked to take any and all pallets and turn them into art works. As a part of the alleyways, different emblems and representations are hung on the wall to add to the already amazing work.
Artworks featured in Artist Alley depict what Kokomo stands for: Diversity, and our ability to represent our own ideas and customs, all in one place. With various color patterns and incredible art displays, it is the perfect way to end a day in beautiful downtown Kokomo!
“Blue Flamingo,” artist Alyse Chinnock lives up to the color displays in Artist Alleyway, with a warm background and a cool foreground. This adds depth and focuses on the blue color of the flamingo.
R.A. Buys, artist of “I fall in love with souls not faces,” depicts four faces in an attempt to show the “soul” of a person, instead of focusing on physical features.
“Astronaut Girl and Boy Explore the Planets” and artist Madison Reed, show it’s okay to want to see unknown, and encourage bravery. Capping the artwork off with a quote from Gene Cernan, “Curiosity is the essence of our existence.”
Whether you are out for dinner, just finished working out at the YMCA, or just taking a stroll through downtown, be sure to check out the beautiful artworks that flood alleyways. You might just find your new favorite painting.
So what do you think, Kokomo? Which piece is your favorite part of artist’s alley?
A special thanks to our intern, Corbin Fields, for this blog and photography!