INDIANAPOLIS — To encourage people to use face masks in public, the city of Indianapolis has started #MaskUpIndy, an art campaign across high-traffic areas in the city.
The city partnered with the Arts Council of Indianapolis to create public artwork as PSAs, illustrating the use of face masks.
The partnership was made possible through a $20,000 appropriation of CARES Act money.
“We’re proud to collaborate with the Arts Council to promote this important public health message with the help of local artists,” said Mayor Joe Hogsett. “It is vital that residents continue to wear face coverings in public, for the protection of themselves and for the protection of our neighbors.”
The posters will be distributed to merchants associations, community centers, and businesses to help remind residents to wear their face coverings. Any organization or business wanting a poster can reach out to their Mayor’s Neighborhood Advocate.
The following Indiana artists were selected for the initiative, according to the city:
· Tasha Beckwith, Joy, 2020, digital illustration Beckwith is a multidisciplinary artist born and raised in Indianapolis and holds a BFA from Herron School of Art & Design. She describes her work as oscillating between expressionistic realism, with innovative incursion into surrealism. She was also one of the featured artists for the Count Me INdy! Campaign. View more of Beckwith’s work at etsy.com/shop/TashaBeckwithFineArt.
· Mirvia Sol Eckert, In This Together, 2020, freestyle digital illustration Eckert is an Indianapolis artist born in Puerto Rico. Common themes of her work are her Puerto Rican heritage, love of family and friends, spirituality, and a fascination with nature. She received a 2020 Creative Renewal Arts Fellowship grant from ACI. View more of Eckert’s work at mirvia.net.
· Shaunt’e Lewis, Sisters in the City, 2020, digital illustration Lewis is an Indiana-based artist, wife, and mother of four. Her work has been featured in many galleries, cafés, and venues throughout Indianapolis and the surrounding area. Her work explores the relationship between feminism and the arts. View more of Lewis’s work at shauntelewis.com/about.
· William Denton Ray, Masqueraders, 2020, Adobe Illustrator Ray is a lifelong Indianapolis resident and artist. He attended the Columbus College of Art and Design and has been involved in the local art community for over 15 years, including several group and solo exhibitions, public murals, and as the in-house artist at Sun King Brewery where he leads can design, merchandise, and more. View more of Ray’s work at whimsicalfunk.com.
· Aaron Scamihorn, Sanitary Solidarity, 2020, digital illustration Scamihorn is an artist, designer, and illustrator in Indianapolis. He leads design for Indiana City Brewing, and his work has been featured by touring musicians and international industry leaders. He was also one of the featured artists for the Count Me INdy! Campaign. View more of Scamihorn’s work at RONLEWHORN.com.
· Israel Solomon, Canal Roses, 2020, acrylic on canvas Solomon is a visual artist and art educator in the Indianapolis area. He currently teaches middle school art and has created a curriculum for students, as well as a living mural at his school building. Solomon has been featured at the Indianapolis Artsgarden, the Garfield Park Arts Center, and the Indiana Black Expo. View more of Solomon’s work at israelsolomonart.com/art.
