NEIGHBORS, an interactive public art project, has been conceived by artist Matthew Mazzotta for Herz-Rose Park in Terre Haute’s Ryves neighborhood. Two life-size, house-like structures with external porches and varied styles of permanent seating will offer year-round opportunities for meeting and gathering. When activated for a specific programmed event, the structures will pivot to form a streetscape with storefronts, a town square, a theater space, a plaza, or a crossroads, the configuration depending on the type of event.
Facilitated activities to promote various aspects of health, arts, education, employment opportunities, safety, and civic engagement will be programmed in direct response to ongoing input from neighborhood residents. Art Spaces is the leading community organization for NEIGHBORS. Indiana State University and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology are early members of a broad consortium including higher education, social service agencies, healthcare agencies, public education, non-profits, government and private business that is being developed for NEIGHBORS. Mechanical and technical aspects are being researched and calculated through student and faculty integration at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology this spring, in consultation with a licensed structural engineer. Fundraising is ongoing.
Vectren – A Centerpoint Energy Company, our region’s gas provider, has committed a significant contribution to NEIGHBORS, exemplifying a longstanding commitment the company has made to the Ryves Neighborhood through years of involvement there.
The City of Terre Haute is committed to other park and neighborhood improvements in conjunction with this project. NEIGHBORS has demonstrated early on its potential to act as a catalyst for positive community-driven revitalization within a city neighborhood facing many challenges. Visit our Facebook or click the link above to view a short video.
Turn to the River is a comprehensive, multi-year project to reconnect downtown Terre Haute with the Wabash River through public art and design. Design Development for a large portion of the government campus was completed on April 12, 2019. Art Spaces is currently reviewing proposals from three finalists: Brad Goldberg; Rachel Kavathe and Tom Fansler; and Buster Simpson, for a work of public art that will include a water feature for the central government plaza between Terre Haute City Hall and Vigo County Courthouse. Fabrication and Installation of this important placemaking project will begin following the artist selection.
Anyone that would like to learn more about the progress of Turn to the River or view the design documents is encouraged to call 812-235-2801 or write to info@wabashvalleyartspaces.com. Turn to the River is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts, and support from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation through the Wabash River Regional Development Authority.
Selected images from the presentation are available here.
