Southern Indiana Arts Scene Is Creative and Vibrant
Artists and makers of all disciplines have made Southern Indiana home, and their influence can be seen throughout the region. From tours and exhibitions to innovative resources, everyone benefits from the inspired atmosphere they’ve helped create.
Heart and Soul
Jeffersonville has more than 100 pieces of public art, and that number continues to grow. Its NoCo Arts and Cultural District (NoCo stands for North of Court Avenue) encompasses 22 acres and is one of only 12 such districts in the state. Often described as whimsical and colorful, this pedestrian-friendly area has two active galleries, a museum, an art center and a performance green space.
Kathleen Wang, the public arts administrator for the City of Jeffersonville, has watched this once derelict area of the city blossom. The streets have been transformed, and a bevy of projects have gained momentum.
One of NoCo’s most notable landmarks is Perpetual Perception, which is a water tank mural painted by local artist Wilfred Sieg III.
“We really strive to also support regional artists and blooming artists, which is part of why the Makerspace is so important.”
– Melissa Merida, Floyd County Carnegie Library Cultural Arts Center
“It serves as an inspirational backdrop for our district,” Wang says. “Its presence has become a cherished symbol of our artistic community.”
NoCo is also one of over 50 destinations participating in the Cultural Pass program. During summer months, individuals up to 21 years old and their families receive free access to a variety of art-centric venues in the Southern Indiana/Greater Louisville area.
Beautiful creations can be found in Charlestown, as well. The city recently held the Picnic Table Murals project, choosing artists to paint up to 10 picnic tables that are on display in places like Greenway Park and the City Square. Additionally, Charlestown’s artistic personality can be seen at Christmastime, when the city hosts Light Up Charlestown, an event that includes holiday music, food trucks and the lighting of the tree.
Creativity in Clarksville
Artistic happenings can be seen in the Clarksville area, as well. The Clarksville Town Council recently voted to create a new Arts Commission, which met for the first time in early 2024.
Cory Hoehn, who serves as chair, says the commission will plan, fund and support the installation of public art, such as sculptures and murals, music and theater performances, and festivals, throughout Clarksville can edit fill in.
“Public art inspires and invigorates public spaces,” Hoehn says. “Our hope is that our work will encourage the community to engage with the arts and take great pride in the area we call home.”
One of the commission’s goals is to infuse the arts into the area that runs from downtown Clarksville to Stansifer Avenue. The group will begin by focusing on the part of town that connects to Jeffersonville’s NoCo Arts District, adding a sculpture to Main Street using metal from the city’s historic Colgate building. Additionally, a Clarksville mural, parks and art installations are in the works along the riverfront.
Where History and Art Collide
New Albany’s arts scene is largely centered on the Floyd County Carnegie Library Cultural Arts Center, a contemporary art gallery and local history museum. Admission is free, as are the center’s exhibitions and events, and its calendar is full of things to do and see.
“We have a significant amount of programming that arches over all ages, like opportunities to learn about history and how it ties into a national level as well as art programs and family activities,” says Melissa Merida, who oversees Floyd County Carnegie Library Cultural Arts Center.
The center allows residents and visitors to immerse themselves in the area’s history, learning about New Albany’s role in the Underground Railroad, for example. It is a division of the Floyd County Library that is four blocks away.
One of the library’s most impressive resources is the Makerspace, which is dedicated to digital media. It’s available upon reservation and comes with an array of audio/ visual software and equipment. Cameras, tripods and even state-of-the-art podcast stations are available.
“We really strive to also support regional artists and blooming artists, which is part of why the Makerspace is so important,” Merida says.
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