Fountain Square Mural Project 2008

Fountain Square Mural Project Press Release, Autumn 2007
Written By Paul Baumgarten

        Most people don’t give much thought to the alley side of their house. That’s where you put the trash,
        and that’s where you enter your garage. Go down just about any alley in Fountain Square and you’ll
        see trash, weeds, graffiti, and dilapidated fences.

        One Fountain Square resident has launched an ambitious project to transform the local alleys into an
        impromptu, outdoor gallery. Phil Barcio, Fountain Square resident, artist and real estate agent, took the
        idea from San Francisco’s Balmy Alley in the Mission District. Phil doesn’t mince words when talking
        about Fountain Square: “Our alleys are gross. Our alleys have poop and broken glass and wet pants and
        banana peels and chickens on the loose.”

        He sent an email to eleven people asking if anyone was interested in helping with a large-scale
        neighborhood mural project. That email has generated the interest of more than 100 artists, residents,
        commercial property owners, businesses, and arts and community organizations. It has also brought a
        small amount of funding to the project to pay for paint, brushes, and other supplies. Others have
        donated materials, and Lowe’s gave a significant discount on “oops” paint. The artists are all donating
        their time and talent.

        The project has been divided into phases, with the first phase focusing on numerous businesses in the
        Fountain Square Cultural District as well as twelve residential locations. The goal is to have the first
        phase completed by the September IDADA First Friday event.

        Barcio hopes the project will eventually reach into all corners of the neighborhood. “This could become
        the largest outdoor public art project in the country, if not the world,” he says.

        Sponsors of the project include Big Car Gallery, Southeast Neighborhood Development, Local Initiatives
        Support Corporation, Broad Ripple Art & Design, Radio Radio, AV Framing Gallery, Halstead Architects,
        Antiques on the Square, and Serendipity Haus.