Comments both pro and con are frequent on the subject of Carmel’s roundabout art, but the upcoming display at the roundabout in front of the Palladium is likely to get the most comments yet.
Mayor Jim Brainard revealed plans for an art piece that pays tribute to Hoosier songwriter Hoagy Carmichael. And, the big difference between this roundabout artwork and others is the fact that it will be interactive.
Pedestrians will be able to activate a sound system that plays a rendition of Carmichael’s universally known “Stardust.” The mayor announced the plans at a Republican pork roast dinner Thursday in Carmel.
Carmichael wrote “Stardust” at a Bloomington café, the Book Nook, just off the Indiana University campus in 1927. He was a Bloomington native and a 1926 graduate of the IU Law School.
The new piece of art is to be located in the roundabout at City Center Drive and 3rd Avenue, which is virtually in front of the well-known Palladium music hall.
The schedule for installation and the cost were not given. Brainard told of the plans while answering questions about the artworks now appearing in many Carmel roundabouts.