Bloomington's streets just got a colorful upgrade and a somber reminder. The South Loop District, known for its eclectic beat, is now sporting vibrant ARTBOXES that could make anyone do a double-take. At the same time, a COVID-19 memorial at Civic Plaza brings a reflective pause amid the hustle.
Local artists – including Ron Brown, Valencia “Leon” Currie, Ray Klempka, Keren Kroul, Patrick Liu, Taylor Lund, Rock Martinez, and Daniel Ann Song – have transformed the mundane into the mesmerizing. The eight ARTBOX designs wrapping utility boxes stand out as mini-galleries peppered across the district. According to a recent release, these aesthetic interventions aim to curb graffiti, enhance the local scenery, and surprise residents and visitors with artistic eye candy on what were once blank urban canvases.
Not far from these displays of local artistry stands a new testament to resilience and remembrance. Civic Plaza is now home to a COVID-19 memorial, commissioned by Bloomington Public Health in collaboration with Bloomington Creative Placemaking. The art piece is a metallic quilt sculpture crafted by artists Aaron Squadroni and Leah Yellowbird. A solemn tribute to those lost during the pandemic, the artwork emerged from a series of community engagement activities, including sessions at Hillcrest Elementary School and the Creekside Community Center.
Those interested in a deeper dive can tap into the Otocast App for a guided tour of the ARTBOXES and other public displays.
