Gary Harris & Koda Witsken partner with city to install two basketball court murals at Brooks School Park to bring youth together through the art of the game
Gary Harris, a Fishers native and professional basketball player for the Orlando Magic, has partnered with Koda Witsken, an artist who is also a Fishers native, to create two basketball court murals at Brooks School Park, 11565 Brooks School Road.
The design concept for the murals includes vibrant colors, cosmic elements, and Gary Harris’ “GH” brand symbol. Through bright colors and symbolic out-of-this-world imagery, the designs are meant to inspire the next generation of Indiana basketball talent to reach for the stars for a bright future.
As a player at Hamilton Southeastern High School in 2012, Harris finished his high school career as 2012 Mr. Indiana Basketball with a school-record of 1,540 points, 467 rebounds, 232 assists, and 232 steals. Harris was rated among the top players in the nation by ESPNU100 (No. 11), Scout.com (No. 16) and Rivals.com (No. 25). He was also ranked among the nation’s top shooting guards by ESPNU100 (No. 2).
Harris explained why he sought to install basketball court murals in his hometown.
“My love of basketball started in Indiana, THE basketball state, and specifically in Fishers,” Harris said. “Given all that basketball has done for me and my family, I felt strongly about returning some of that love to the Fishers community with vibrant, statement-making basketball courts for the next generation of Indiana basketball talent to enjoy. I’m very excited to partner with Koda and the city on this project to make the vision a reality.”
The courts are expected to be installed starting April 5 through May 1.
Witsken, a 2011 Hamilton Southeastern graduate, said of the project, “It’s powerful to be a part of this project, not only to honor Gary’s legacy as a hometown legend, but to invite current and future generations of youth players to gather on the courts. At the intersection of sports, art, and culture, people gather and dreams are made. It’s special to be the person bringing the art to the table, and I thank Gary and his family for partnering with me.”
To celebrate the mural’s completion, Fishers Parks will host an outdoor 3×3 basketball tournament for ages 16 and older and a three-point competition for ages eight and older on Saturday, May 18 at Brooks School Park. Registration opens soon. Visit FishersParks.com/BrooksSchoolCourts to sign up to receive updates once registration opens.
The murals are part of the city’s commitment to infusing vibrancy and celebrating creativity throughout the community through public art. In summer 2020, the city unveiled a new Art Wall at Brooks School Park that features new murals by local artists and students on a rotating basis. The court murals will continue the legacy of integrating art and play at Brooks School Park.
“What an awesome project to kick off the summer,” Fishers Parks Director Marissa Deckert said. “Our Parks department is so grateful to Gary Harris for teaming up with artist Koda Witsken to make this dream a reality. We can’t wait to share this with the community and celebrate with an event open to all ages. This project brings a winning combination of community and vibrancy to one of our most popular parks.”