Having logged many miles on this trail and ridden the entire trail I can't help but notice all of the Murals and other works of art alongside the trail. However, since I am generally using the Monon to get from point A to point B, I rarely take the time to stop and look at the abundance of art surrounding me on these trips. With this oversight in mind, I have started a small project to record this artwork for myself, as well as for others who may not have the time to stop and admire what is around them while on the trail.
For this post, part 1, I present some photos of the many murals along the Monon from its southern terminus at 10th street to Broad Ripple Ave. While I do regularly travel north from Broad Ripple to 146th, it is the southern section of the Monon on which I log most of my Monon-miles, and it is also this section which has the most artwork alongside.
These photos are mostly just snapshots, and in most cases, don't do their subjects the level of detail and honor they deserve, but they can serve as a starting point for someone's exploration of what is available for viewing alongside Indianapolis' most used greenway.
So, right off the bat, at the entrance to the Monon we have the sculpture below.
A few hundred yards later we get to the series of overpasses which comprise the merging of highways 65/70. Every available spot on the underpasses have a bit of art on them.
The first one also contains what is my favorite piece of "graffiti" in the city:
Just after clearing the underpasses, across from the Soccer Park, on the eastern side of the Monon is the mural below on the side of an IPS building:
Just a little farther north, at the intersection with 16th street we come to what is my favorite mural on the trail:
This mural stretches for almost an entire block and is incredibly detailed.
A few blocks later, just north of the intersection with 19th street, on the western side of the trail is the break area below:
A block later, north of 20th, there is a reminder to ride safely. Though probably not intended as art per se, it is beautiful in its own way:
Just a couple of blocks later on the side of the Habitat for Humanity 'Restore' bldg at 22nd, we have one of the more colorful murals along the Monon:
Next up, on one of the lumber yard bldgs we have on of the many tags from "Big Kemp" that I have seen around the city:
While I'm sure that Big Kemp isn't popular with his targets, I do like seeing his sprucing up of otherwise dull bldgs.
Just after crossing Sutherland, there is a rather smelly little bldg which serves some kind of purpose for the local water company. This little bldg's only saving grace as far as travelling the Monon is concerned, is the artwork on it's westward facing side:
A little more north the Monon crosses Fall Creek, intersects the Fall Creek Trail, and crosses over Fall Creek Pkwy. While not necessarily art, the view of the bridges over the creek and parkway, is one of my favorite views along the entire trail
After Fall Creek there is the intersection with 38th, the Fairgrounds, and an unfortunate lull in artwork. But, the art begins again at 42nd street with a wonderful little break area put up by students from the Indiana School for the Deaf:
This break area is well worth a stop and look. It is adorned with several representational examples of American Sign Language, so can be considered educational as well as beautiful to look at.
A few blocks more, and we get to two sets of murals on the sides of the Winthrop Plumbing bldgs north and south of 49th:
Just north of the intersection with 52nd we have the newest mural on the Monon- "The Love Train":
"The Love Train" mural marks the end of large-scale art on this section of the Monon, but there are still a few pieces to see.
Just after crossing over Kessler, on the western side of the trail is the Monon's newest rest stop/bench:
Then we come to some private pieces by Pat Mack (this picture definitely doesn't do this beautiful work justice. I will try to get a better one soon):
And a nice garage mural:
This takes us to 62nd/Broad Ripple Ave, and the end of this leg of the trip.
I'll do a follow up post later of the little bit of art work on the northern section of the trail, as soon as I have the time to record it. I also intend to cover the other local trails, such as the Cultural Trail, as well.
Until then; enjoy the local trails, and remember to take a little time to enjoy some of the views along side.
Hello Ron Iove what you are doing with this project. I am doing the same here in Louisville, KY for a later post on my blog. I lived in Indy during the 70's and early 80's at the city's rebirth. I miss the city so much now with so many biking options.
ReplyDeleteThank you. It seems we've exchanged cities. I look forward to your post.
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