Arcadia residents and supporters are invited to a ribbon cutting at 6 p.m. on Thursday to celebrate the town’s new downtown mural. The mural, created by Hamilton Heights High School students with the help of Nickel Plate Arts, was made possible thanks to a Quick Impact Placebased (QuIP) grant from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs.
“We are excited to have this beautiful art in our downtown,” Arcadia Clerk-Treasurer Jennifer Pickett said. “It showcases Arcadia’s history and current activities in a colorful, fun way.”
Public artist, entrepreneur, and Nickel Plate Arts member Nekoda Witsken and Hamilton Heights teacher Taylor Myers guided the students on the project.
“The Heights kids did an incredible job,” Pickett said. “The QuIP grant also includes a small scholarship, details forthcoming, for future students who help maintain the mural.”
The mural is located on the west side of the building at 124 W. Main St., the background for the current farmer’s market as well as the future splash pad. Ribbon cutting attendees are encouraged to enjoy the farmer’s market after the event, which is open until 8 p.m.
“The community partnership and student involvement help make this project stand out from the rest,” OCRA Interim Executive Director Matt Crouch said. “OCRA is proud to help support the innovative placemaking ideas that are evident in the Town of Arcadia.”
The QuIP grant is designed to fund the type of space enhancement and community transformation that sparks community-wide conversation and creativity. For more information on the grant program, visit in.gov/ocra/quipgrant.htm.
Nickel Plate Arts serves the communities of eastern Hamilton County, from Fishers to Atlanta. For more information, visit nickelplatearts.org.