The City of Noblesville and Nickel Plate Arts on Friday held a ribbon cutting of the newly activated North Alley. The North Alley activation includes an archway entrance, colorful sun sail shades, tables and chairs, and Gobo theater lights, which project images onto the brick wall and new planter boxes.
Jensen
“Our goal for downtown Noblesville is to create an improved space for citizens to enjoy while still preserving the historical downtown aspect,” said Mayor Chris Jensen. “We are pleased with how the North Alley activation turned out and we are eager to continue to utilize more alley spaces on the square. Be on the lookout for continued activation of our downtown alleys.”
Alley activation is part of the Downtown, Culture, and Recreation pillar of Jensen’s administration goals. The improvements also include a mural featuring the State of Indiana. Nickel Plate Arts and the city selected the artist Andrea Haydon and received a National Endowment for the Arts grant, which funded the mural.
McGill
“We are impressed with Andrea and her talent she showcased with this mural,” said Nickel Plate Arts Executive Director Aili McGill. “As a Noblesville native herself, we are happy to feature a local artist. Andrea’s bright and energetic concept matched the idea that will continue to enhance the alley and attract more people to enjoy our downtown area.”
After the ribbon cutting ceremony, Nickel Plate Arts held its First Friday virtually from the group’s Facebook page.
The new North Alley also features a mural funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. (Photo provided)