New mural installed at historic train depot

A new mural has been installed in downtown Kokomo thanks to a state grant.

“We Are Kokomo” features the artwork of Sienna Urbina, a local artist and graduate of Indiana University Kokomo’s New Media, Art and Technology Department.

The artwork conveys that a location is the reflection of the people who call it home.

“It expresses the idea that the identity of a place rests with the character of its people and not simply its geographic location,” said Susan Alexander, manager of Downtown Initiatives for the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance. “That concept is at the heart of all the work we do in downtown Kokomo and why we strive to engage the public as much as possible in our revitalization mission.”

Painted on the north façade of the historic train depot on North Buckeye Street, it overlooks the outdoor seating of Sun King Brewery and the city’s pocket park. The mural features brightly colored profiles of everyday people with the map of Kokomo superimposed, all in front of a richly hued purple and orange background.

The artwork was selected by a steering committee that worked with Urbina. The committee was comprised of Amanda Lewton with Sun King Brewery, Wes Reed with the City of Kokomo, Sherry Matlock with the Greater Kokomo Visitors Bureau and Alexander. SunBelt Equipment Rentals helped support the installation process.

Urbina is a regional mural artist who has collaborated on multiple murals in Kokomo, but this is her first individual project. She is a recipient of the Downtown Association’s Creative & Culinary Entrepreneur Scholarship. As a result of the scholarship program, her artwork is currently on display in the front window of Beckley’s Office Equipment on South Main Street.

State grant

The grant funding “We are Kokomo” was provided by the Indiana Destination Development Corp., a program that saw the completion of over 40 Indiana murals in 33 counties across the state.

“Projects selected were based on location and visibility to Indiana residents and visitors,” said Elaine Bedel, IDDC’s Secretary and CEO.

The new mural in downtown Kokomo features the state’s “In Indiana” branding and aims to create photo opportunities that promote Kokomo as well as the state as a whole.

“These public art projects help tell the stories of our local communities in beautiful and enriching ways,” Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch said. “I hope first-time visitors and longtime residents alike will be able to enjoy these new assets and feel a sense of pride and belonging in Indiana.”